Private Iowa Colleges

Iowa Private Non-Profit College

There are excellent options for students at one of the 24 private non-profit colleges and universities in Iowa. Please use the resources below to see if one of these options would be a best fit for you!

Facts to know about non-profit private colleges in Iowa*:

  • 90% of first-time, full-time students in the majority of iowa's private colleges receive an average of more than $15,000 in grant/free money

  • 52,898 students are enrolled in Iowa private colleges

  • There are more PELL eligible recipients at Iowa's non-profit colleges than are at the Iowa public universities

  • 48% of bachelors degrees earned in Iowa are from an Iowa non-profit colleges and universities

*Data from the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities: SEE LINK HERE


Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities:

please consider visiting THIS LINK to learn more on steps to college, how to pick a college and all the options available to Iowa students.

Interested in specific private colleges?

Please use THIS LINK to be taken to a list of all the private Iowa colleges and universities with direct links to the college website.

Iowa Tuition Grant:

Students at one of the private Iowa's college may be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant. Eligibility is determined by FAFSA completion. To learn more, please visit THIS LINK to learn more!

Application Fee Waiver Information

Students that meet free or reduced meal or income guidelines may be eligible to have their application fee and enrollment fee waived by some of the private Iowa Colleges. Please visit with your JHS Counselor for next steps. You may also be eligible for an ACT, SAT, AP, NCAA or NAIA waiver.