Iowa is home to a number of prestigious private colleges and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs, personalized learning experiences, and values-based education. These institutions provide opportunities for students to pursue liberal arts, science, technology, and professional degrees in intimate and nurturing environments. Many of Iowa’s private schools have strong ties to religious traditions, while others focus on research, leadership, and innovation.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College is one of the most prestigious private liberal arts colleges in the country, known for its rigorous academics, commitment to social justice, and progressive values. Located in the small town of Grinnell, Iowa, the college offers a challenging and highly individualized education.
Overview
- Location: Grinnell, IA
- Founded: 1846
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,700 students
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Grinnell offers a comprehensive range of majors and interdisciplinary concentrations. The college is well known for its open curriculum, which allows students significant freedom in designing their academic paths.
- Popular Majors:
- Political Science
- Economics
- Biology
- Computer Science
- English
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Students can design their own majors or combine disciplines to explore topics from multiple perspectives.
Open Curriculum and Individualized Education
Grinnell’s open curriculum provides students with the flexibility to take courses across a variety of disciplines without the constraints of a traditional core curriculum.
- Advising: Each student is paired with a faculty advisor to guide them through course selection and help shape their academic journey.
- Research Opportunities: Grinnell encourages undergraduate research through programs like the Mentored Advanced Project (MAP), which allows students to work closely with faculty on original research projects.
Campus Life
Grinnell offers a vibrant campus culture with a focus on social justice, community engagement, and global awareness.
- Social Responsibility: The college places a strong emphasis on service and civic engagement, with students participating in a wide range of volunteer opportunities, internships, and activism.
- Student Organizations: With over 100 student clubs and organizations, Grinnell offers activities that range from academic clubs to cultural groups and recreational sports.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, Midwest Conference, with teams in basketball, cross country, swimming, and more.
Notable Alumni
- Robert Noyce: Co-founder of Intel and inventor of the integrated circuit.
- Kumail Nanjiani: Actor and comedian.
Drake University
Drake University, located in Des Moines, is a private university known for its professional programs in business, law, journalism, and pharmacy. With a focus on leadership, service, and innovation, Drake provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in various fields.
Overview
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Founded: 1881
- Enrollment: Approximately 4,800 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Drake offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in business, law, education, and health sciences.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Business Administration (College of Business and Public Administration)
- Journalism and Mass Communication (School of Journalism and Mass Communication)
- Pharmacy (College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences)
- Education
- Political Science
- Graduate and Professional Schools:
- Drake University Law School
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Focus on Leadership and Innovation
Drake emphasizes leadership development, innovation, and community service, providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships, service learning, and global engagement.
- Leadership Development: The Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute offers programs that help students develop leadership skills through experiential learning and mentorship.
- Internships: Located in the capital city of Des Moines, Drake has strong partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and media outlets, providing students with valuable internship opportunities.
Campus Life
Drake offers an active campus life, with opportunities for involvement in academic, social, and recreational activities.
- Student Organizations: With more than 160 student organizations, Drake provides a wide variety of clubs, including academic societies, Greek life, service organizations, and cultural groups.
- Service Learning: Drake encourages students to engage in service learning, with many courses incorporating community projects and volunteer opportunities.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, Missouri Valley Conference, with competitive teams in basketball, track and field, and soccer.
Notable Alumni
- Terrence Malick: Oscar-nominated film director and screenwriter.
- Dwight D. Opperman: Former CEO of West Publishing and founder of Opperman Scholars Program.
Luther College
Luther College, located in Decorah, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, commitment to sustainability, and vibrant musical tradition. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Luther emphasizes service, leadership, and global citizenship.
Overview
- Location: Decorah, IA
- Founded: 1861
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,800 students
- Religious Affiliation: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Academic Programs
Luther offers a diverse range of liberal arts majors, with particular strengths in the sciences, music, and environmental studies.
- Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Music
- Environmental Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Luther encourages interdisciplinary approaches to learning, allowing students to explore connections between fields such as environmental science and public policy.
Focus on Sustainability and Global Engagement
Luther College has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and global learning.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The college has implemented numerous sustainability efforts, including renewable energy projects, campus-wide recycling, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
- Study Abroad: Luther offers extensive study abroad opportunities, with more than 60% of students participating in programs across the globe. The college also hosts the annual January Term (J-Term), a three-week period dedicated to intensive courses, internships, and international study trips.
Campus Life
Luther College offers a close-knit campus environment where students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sports, and service.
- Music Program: Luther has a renowned music program, with the Luther College Choir performing internationally and opportunities for students to participate in ensembles, orchestras, and bands.
- Student Organizations: Luther has over 90 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, American Rivers Conference, with teams in sports like soccer, cross country, and basketball.
Notable Alumni
- Kurtis Blow: Rapper and music producer.
- Gregory Alan Isakov: Folk singer-songwriter.
Coe College
Coe College is a private liberal arts college located in Cedar Rapids. Known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong academic programs, Coe provides students with a well-rounded liberal arts education and opportunities for research, internships, and global experiences.
Overview
- Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Founded: 1851
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,400 students
- Religious Affiliation: None (historically Presbyterian)
Academic Programs
Coe offers more than 50 majors and minors, with particular strengths in the sciences, business, and the arts.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Biology
- Political Science
- Art
- Interdisciplinary Programs: Coe encourages interdisciplinary learning through programs like Neuroscience, Environmental Studies, and Public Relations.
Focus on Experiential Learning
Coe College emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities for internships, research, and global experiences.
- Internships and Research: The college’s Center for Creativity and Careers helps students secure internships, research positions, and job placements, with many students completing internships in nearby Cedar Rapids or larger cities.
- Off-Campus Study: Coe offers a variety of off-campus study programs, including opportunities for international study and internships in cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Campus Life
Coe College provides a welcoming and active campus life, where students can engage in academic, social, and athletic activities.
- Greek Life: Coe has an active Greek life, with fraternities and sororities that focus on leadership, service, and social engagement.
- Student Organizations: There are more than 80 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, American Rivers Conference, with teams in football, volleyball, and swimming.
Notable Alumni
- James B. Stewart: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author.
- Marv Levy: Pro Football Hall of Fame coach.
Cornell College
Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, is a private liberal arts college known for its innovative “One Course At A Time” curriculum, which allows students to immerse themselves in a single subject for three and a half weeks before moving on to the next course. This distinctive approach fosters deep learning and engagement.
Overview
- Location: Mount Vernon, IA
- Founded: 1853
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
- Religious Affiliation: None (historically Methodist)
Academic Programs
Cornell offers a broad range of academic programs, with a focus on liberal arts education and experiential learning.
- Popular Majors:
- Economics and Business
- Biology
- Psychology
- Creative Writing
- History
One Course At A Time Curriculum
Cornell’s distinctive “One Course At A Time” block schedule allows students to focus on one class for 18 days, offering an immersive educational experience.
- Advantages of the Block Plan: The block schedule allows for field trips, off-campus courses, and hands-on learning experiences that might not be possible in a traditional semester system. It also provides students with greater flexibility for internships and research opportunities.
Campus Life
Cornell offers a vibrant campus life, with opportunities for students to get involved in academics, arts, athletics, and service.
- Greek Life: Cornell has several fraternities and sororities that focus on leadership, community service, and academic success.
- Student Organizations: Cornell offers more than 50 student-run organizations, including academic societies, arts groups, and service clubs.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, Midwest Conference, with teams in soccer, basketball, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- James Daly: Actor and Emmy Award winner.
- Martha Atwater: Television producer and screenwriter.
Central College
Central College, located in Pella, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on global education, community engagement, and leadership development. Central provides students with a close-knit, supportive campus community and numerous opportunities for experiential learning.
Overview
- Location: Pella, IA
- Founded: 1853
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students
- Religious Affiliation: None (historically Reformed Church in America)
Academic Programs
Central offers a variety of academic programs, with particular strengths in business, education, and the sciences.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Management
- Elementary Education
- Biology
- Communication Studies
- Environmental Studies
Focus on Global Education
Central College is known for its commitment to global education, offering numerous opportunities for study abroad and international internships.
- Study Abroad Programs: Central offers programs in locations such as England, Spain, Mexico, and Ghana, with approximately 50% of students participating in study abroad during their time at Central.
- Global Learning: The college integrates global perspectives into its curriculum, encouraging students to explore global issues through coursework, research, and service learning.
Campus Life
Central College offers a welcoming and supportive campus environment, with opportunities for involvement in academics, athletics, and service.
- Student Organizations: Central has more than 60 student clubs and organizations, including academic societies, service groups, and performance ensembles.
- Service and Leadership: The college emphasizes leadership development and community engagement, offering numerous opportunities for students to participate in service projects, internships, and leadership training programs.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, American Rivers Conference, with teams in football, soccer, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Eugene S. Pulliam: Newspaper publisher and founder of The Arizona Republic.
- Dave Mulder: Former Iowa State Senator.
Simpson College
Simpson College, located in Indianola, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, personalized attention, and commitment to community service. Simpson offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, education, and the social sciences.
Overview
- Location: Indianola, IA
- Founded: 1860
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,200 students
- Religious Affiliation: United Methodist Church
Academic Programs
Simpson offers a variety of majors and minors, with an emphasis on experiential learning and career preparation.
- Popular Majors:
- Criminal Justice
- Business Administration
- Biology
- Psychology
- Education
Focus on Experiential Learning and Service
Simpson College emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities for internships, research, and community service.
- Service Learning: Simpson incorporates service learning into many of its courses, encouraging students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems in their local and global communities.
- Internships and Career Services: The college’s career development center helps students secure internships and job placements, with many students gaining valuable work experience in nearby Des Moines.
Campus Life
Simpson College offers a welcoming and active campus life, where students can engage in academics, social activities, and service.
- Student Organizations: With more than 70 student clubs and organizations, Simpson provides students with numerous opportunities for involvement in academic societies, service groups, and Greek life.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, American Rivers Conference, with teams in football, basketball, and wrestling.
Notable Alumni
- George Washington Carver: Renowned agricultural scientist and inventor.
- Eileen Heisman: CEO of National Philanthropic Trust.