25 Best Universities In Iowa For International Students 2026

Iowa is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 29 universities and colleges in Iowa, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 29 universities in Iowa, University of Iowa and Iowa State University are the top-performing schools in Iowa. This list covers both public and private institutions in Iowa.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Iowa. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Iowa.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Iowa?

Applying to the universities in Iowa involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Iowa to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Iowa?

Tuition fees at Iowa’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 14,400 USD to 71,800 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 3,720 USD to 35,900 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Iowa!

As we cover the best universities in Iowa for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Iowa for International Students

A public institution, the University of Iowa is one of the state’s longest-running institutions. Since its establishment in 1847, they have produced more than 250,000 professionals in different fields. Moreover, they have a high position in national and global rankings, showing their outstanding performance in teaching and research. They highly excel in providing arts and sciences programs to both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Iowa State University has a long and rich history that can be traced back to 1858. The university is one of the pioneers to accept students regardless of gender. It is also among the first universities to include practical subjects in its curriculum. Throughout the years, the university has created innovative educational programs and has massive contributions to research. With its exceptional education system, it has become one of the best institutions in the US and has continued to rank high in the national and global university rankings.

The University of Northern Iowa offers comprehensive academic training to give students the advantage they need in fields like business and education. The university takes pride in its student-centered curriculum, which is why a lot of students compete to be admitted to their chosen program. With its vibrant community, the University of Northern Iowa promises to always improve and offer something new to its constituents.

Grinnell College is a place where students can prosper and achieve their dreams. The institution is committed to delivering the best education in the state. It offers various scholarship programs to welcome more students and allow productive learning on campus.

Drake University is one of the leading universities in the Midwest. It provides all the necessary resources and tools for students during their campus stay. The university also ensures that students and instructors maintain close personal relationships with each other through small class sizes and numerous research opportunities.

Maharishi International University embraces the concept of full development. It aims to fulfill economic aspirations while also sustaining the environment and bringing spiritual contentment to humanity. The university is composed of a diverse student body, with the population coming from different parts of the world.

Dordt University is a Christian institution that opens its doors to all students interested in Christ-centered education. The university offers a variety of associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees incorporating a Christian perspective. Most of its students are living in residential halls inside the campus and are receiving financial aid and scholarships.

St. Ambrose University began as a seminary and business school for men. The university has maintained an affordable education with an array of grants, scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans. St. Ambrose University is dedicated to helping students from all financial backgrounds achieve their dreams of quality education.

Luther College is a private and full-time undergraduate institution located in the state of Iowa. As a Lutheran institute, its faith and traditions are instilled in its study programs; however, students from other religious backgrounds are warmly welcomed. In addition, one of the college’s primary goals is to cultivate responsible and God-fearing leaders that will significantly contribute to society and have purposeful lives.

Morningside University is a private university in Sioux City, Iowa. It was founded in 1894 by city business leaders and Methodist ministers. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, health sciences, communication, and humanities. Business Administration and Management, Biology, Nursing, and Teaching are among the most popular majors at Morningside.

Central College is a private liberal four-year institution known for its student-centered approach to learning.  Founded by a group of pioneer settlers, the college was initially influenced by Baptist Church but eventually became affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. International education was introduced early in college, which has grown to incorporate into its curriculum the study abroad programs across its international institution partners.

Coe College, founded in 1851, is a private liberal arts university located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The university is part of the Associated Colleges and Associations of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities in the Midwest and has historically been affiliated with Presbyterianism in the United States. Coe college was established as a Prophet School at the time of its establishment, and since it was later re-established and received individual donations, it has grown rapidly and now operates as a university with about 1,300 students.

Although separate from the more popular university, Cornell College is related (somehow) to the famous institution. The college was named after William Wesley Cornell, a relative of the founder of the prestigious Cornell University. Although not an Ivy League college, Cornell has established a distinct quality and brand of education. One of the unique practices they have is the 18-day block plan, where students focus on one subject at a time.

Wartburg College is dedicated to nurturing students and helping them become leaders someday. It hopes to produce excellent graduates that are willing to contribute and serve the community. It is a selective liberal arts college that is internationally renowned because of its high engagement with society.

Loras College is a private Catholic university located in Dubuque, Iowa. Mathias Loras, the first bishop of Dubuque, established it in 1839. Loras offers 49 undergraduate majors and nine pre-professional programs. Graduate programs are also available in Psychology, Counseling, Education, and Business Administration. Undergraduates can also participate in study abroad programs and internships.

Graceland University is a private university in Lamoni, Iowa. Other campuses are located in Centerville, Cedar Rapids, and Missouri. The university was established in 1895 by the RLDS Church. They provide courses in the arts, sciences, education, business, and religious studies. The mission of Graceland is to create learning communities in which students can develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives.

Founded in 1843, Clarke University has been offering numerous possibilities to diverse students. Since its establishment, this private institution has always aimed to provide high-quality education to its students. Although already known for its academic excellence, the university continues to grow, make necessary improvements and develop innovative programs to ensure that only the highest standard of education is given to current and prospective students.

Buena Vista University provides several on-site, online, and hybrid courses for undergrad and grad students. Its quality of online education is backed by 15 years of experience teaching online classes. Many opportunities are open for BVU students, including internships, volunteering, teaching, research, and more.

Northwestern College, a private institution in the US midwest, is a Christian college established in 1882. It is connected to the Reformed Church in America, a Protestant group. The college provides several undergrad courses, such as majors, minors, pre-professional programs, interdisciplinary programs, career concentrations, student-initiated majors, and certificates. Graduate-level programs are also offered, although most are available only in online-learning mode. The only on-campus program is Physician Assistant or MSPAS.

Simpson College is connected to the United Methodist Church. This liberal arts institution offers several undergrad majors and minors. It also provides graduate programs, which may be conducted online, evening, or during the summer. Simpson College is ranked 501st in the US by the Times Higher Education ranking.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university in Fayette, Iowa. It is well-known for its unique courses, low tuition, and distance learning programs. UIU offers 29 undergraduate degrees and 6 graduate programs ranging from art to technology.

The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private university in Dubuque, Iowa. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees. Their educational approach is based on professional programs with a liberal arts foundation.

Mount Mercy University is a private educational institution located in Cedar Rapids, a city teeming with beautiful attractions, flourishing businesses, and an excellent startup ecosystem. Education at the university is a  of classroom learning and practical experience where students step out into the community and conduct research, undergo internships, and participate in community service and other activities that would allow them to apply their learnings. Graduates at Mount Mercy University are also known for their high success rate in their chosen professions and graduate schools.

Grand View University currently has 1875 students studying under 40 undergraduate majors and 5 master’s degrees. Over 800 of these students live in six residential establishments found on the campus. To satisfy the desire for extracurricular activities, there are over 26 sports teams and 40 student organizations. Aside from the welcoming and diverse student community, the culture and tradition revolve around leadership, networking, and open opportunities.

Waldorf University is a private university in Forest City, Iowa. It was founded as Waldorf College in 1903. They provide associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. Popular majors include Business, Occupational Safety, Homeland Security, and Psychology. At Waldorf, students will benefit from a well-rounded experience by participating in arts, sports, and other extracurricular activities.