Kate KealeyDes Moines Register
With the cost of higher education on the raise, finding a four-year school that also fits within your budget can be a determining factor for where students pursue the next step of their education.
A list created by Money.com rated schools across the country, including in Iowa, based on affordability and quality of their education. One school — Iowa State University — scored in the top 10% for affordability.
Originally established in 1972, Money is an online publication that focuses on personal finance strategies. Money's most recent analysis of the best four-year colleges examined more than 700 different schools. Quality, affordability and student outcomes are all examined to determine the overall star ratings. Schools with five stars are exceptionally high on Money's metrics. Ratings range from two to five stars.
The majority of colleges received three and a half or four stars, meaning they scored well in a couple areas but also had a few poor scores too. Universities with a two or three-star rating tend to have a lower graduation rate, higher prices or "mediocre alumni salaries," according to Money.
See how Iowa's four-year schools ranked. Money included tuition, fees, room and board, book and other miscellaneous expenses to determine its estimated cost of attendance.
Which Iowa schools earned 3 stars from Money's Best Colleges list?
Cornell College: Located in Mount Vernon, Cornell College's average estimated cost for the upcoming school year is $67,300. With financial aid, the bill could be as low as $27,200. Cornell College accepts 79% of applicants and 67% of those students receive a diploma.
Upper Iowa University: Fayette's own Upper Iowa University accepts around 54% of applicants with 46% of those students graduating. The estimated price for the 2024-2025 school year could be as much as $50,300. With federal and state aid, it could be as low as $26,000.
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Wartburg College: Receiving three out of five stars, Wartburg College's cost could be as much as $64,300. With grants included, the price tag drops to an estimated $25,000. The school has an acceptance rate of 97% and roughly 68% of those students graduate.
Which Iowa schools earned 3.5 stars from Money's Best Colleges list?
Buena Vista University: Located in Storm Lake, Buena Vista University received a three-and-a-half star rating. The average cost for the 2024-2025 school year could be as much as $55,000, but state and federal aid could lower that price tag to $20,300 a year. The average acceptance rate is 77% and BVU has a 60% graduation rate.
Central College: Based in Pella, Central College scored three and a half stars. The cost for the coming school year is estimated at $36,600, but federal and state grants could lower expenses to $24,600. The college accepts 79% of all applicants with 68% of them graduating, according to Money.
Clarke University: With federal and state aid dropping the average expense to $28,800, Clarke University received a three-and-a-half star rating. The Dubuque-based school's estimated cost for the 2024-2025 school year amounted to $55,800. Clarke University accepts around 85% of applicants and 66% of those students graduate.
Grand View University: Receiving a three-and-a-half star rating, Grand View has a 98% acceptance rating and a 62% graduation rate. The cost of attendance averages $50,000 a year but could be as low as $21,400 with grants, according to Money.
Loras College: Located in Dubuque, Loras College received a three-and-a-half star rating. The school accepts around 90% of all applicants with 68% of them graduating. It costs an average of $50,500, but with grants, it could be as low as $23,100 yearly.
Luther College: Luther College costs an estimated $65,400 for the upcoming school year. Financial aid could bring the bill as low as $27,200. Luther boasts a 77% graduation rate and a 75% acceptance rate.
Saint Ambrose University: Located in Davenport, Saint Ambrose University's estimate for the upcoming school year is $53,000 according to Money. With financial aid, the average yearly expenses end up being $24,700. Saint Ambrose has a 74% acceptance rate and a 67% graduation rate.
Which Iowa schools earned 4 stars from Money's Best Colleges list?
Drake University: Receiving four stars overall, the Des Moines-based university has a 67% acceptance rate and a 78% graduation rate. The estimated cost of full attendance for the 2024-2025 school year is just over $66,000, but with the financial aid applied it averages $32,000 a year, according to Money.
Mount Mercy University: Located in Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy's bill with aid averages to $25,500. The total estimated price for the upcoming school year is expected to be $55,800. Mount Mercy University has an acceptance rate of 75% and a graduation rate of 69%, according to Money.
Simpson College: The Indianola-based school has an acceptance rate of 89% with around 70% of those students graduating. The average cost for the upcoming school is projected at $61,500 or $25,800 when aid is included.
The University of Iowa: Home of the Hawkeyes, the University of Iowa scored four stars out of five according to Money. Total costs are projected at $27,900 for the 2024-2025 school year. With aid factored into pricing, bills could be $20,700. With an acceptance score of 86%, an estimated 72% of students graduate from the University of Iowa, according to Money.
University of Northern Iowa: Located in Cedar Falls, the University of Northern Iowa received four stars out of five from Money. The four-year school has an acceptance rate of 95% with a graduation of rate of 67%. Expenses for the 2024-2025 school year are expected to be $22,900 and with grants could be as low as $16,700.
Which Iowa schools earned 4.5 stars from Money's Best Colleges list?
Grinnell College: Receiving a four-and-a-half-star rating, Grinnell College has the lowest acceptance rate in the state at 11%. The cost of attendance could be as much as $82,800 a year, but grants could lower costs to $35,400. The overall graduation rate is 86%, according to Money.
Northwestern College: Expenses with grants are estimated to cost $26,000 at Northwestern College in Orange City, according to Money. The estimated full price is $50,700. Northwestern College has an acceptance rate of 87% and a graduation rate of 69%.
Iowa State University: ISU accepts roughly 90% of applicants and the average full price of admission is $24,000 with a graduation rate of 73%. After state and federal aid, the average cost amounts to $16,200. Iowa State landed in the top 10% for affordability according to Money's 2024-2025 rating system.
None of Iowa's university's received a five-star rating, according to Money.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her atkkealey@registermedia.comor follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
