Iowa, despite being a state with a population that is relatively low, has altogether sixty colleges and universities providing excellent choices for students, with many of these colleges being founded in the later part of the 19th century. Most of the Iowa colleges have received accreditation from North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The student sizes vary from 1,000 up to 30000 for larger colleges. A good number of these colleges are categorized as liberal arts institutions.
Cornell College, situated in the charming town of Mount Vernon in Iowa, has a wonderfully attractive campus, which belongs in the National Register of Historic Places. This school has a membership in Phi Beta Kappa for its strong academics. Cornell College is noted for its distinctive feature of one-course-at-a-time curriculum.
Central College provides its students a well-rounded education with an emphasis on the liberal arts and an equal focus on scientific advancement. This college is noted for its strong study abroad programs and is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. It has a picturesque campus with over 100 clubs and activities for students to get involved in on the campus. Students can also create their own club and they can have it officially recognized by the college. Central College is a moderately selective college.
Coe College is the only college in the whole of Iowa to have the prestige to host their own chapter of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, which was earned through the college’s strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. Coe provides its students a high level of grant aid, and is frequently on the list of best colleges in the country. This is a selective college with a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The college is noted for its “Coe Plan,” which is an experiential program that gets students involved in internships, off-campus study, study abroad, and research with faculty.
Grinnell College is known for its talented faculty and student body and also for its history in community involvement. It has a large endowment, abundant financial resources, and an individualized approach to the students for their graduation requirements.
Simpson College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college campus is situated in the center of Indianola, Iowa. Its proximity to the city of Des Moines enables students to get internships and gain hands-on experience related to their fields of study. This college has over 75 registered clubs and a very active Greek life. Of all undergraduate majors at Simpson, business has the highest enrollment. Simpson has a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio.
Wartburg College is located in Waverly, Iowa. This college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Wartburg is known for being the only private college in Iowa offering a music therapy major. This is a highly competitive college with 89 percent medical school placement rate and a 100 percent placement rate in other fields of medicine.
Iowa has many colleges belonging to different classifications, both public and private and many with a rich history of academic excellence and social activism. A student looking for quality education in a major of his choice and in a supportive community environment need look no further, he or she can have a pick of these colleges.
