2026 Best Science & Tech Schools in Iowa
Looking for the best Science & Tech degree programs in Iowa? Our ranking highlights 75 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 69 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Science & Tech Degree Schools in Iowa
Explore the leading schools below:
Northwestern College Iowa earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in Iowa. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
The strong Science & Tech programs at Grinnell College earned it the #2 place in Iowa. Located in Grinnell, IA, Grinnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,196. Grinnell College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,154 in debt. See the full Grinnell College profile
You'll be in good company at Drake University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 73% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,273. Get the full Drake University report
Iowa State University came in at #4 on this year's Science & Tech ranking in Iowa. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Iowa State University profile
A rank of #5 makes University Of Northern Iowa one of the top choices in Iowa. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. University Of Northern Iowa graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,635 in debt. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Simpson College placed #6 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Simpson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Indianola, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. In-state tuition and fees average $47,656. Students borrow a median of $26,816 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Get the full Simpson College report
University Of Iowa placed #7 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Read more about University Of Iowa
Wartburg College came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Waverly, IA, Wartburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Wartburg College posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,250. Graduates carry a median of $26,793 in student loans. See the full Wartburg College profile
Northwest Iowa Community College placed #9 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Set in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $12,271 in student loans. More on Northwest Iowa Community College
Luther College did well this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Decorah, IA. About 71% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $52,120 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,967. See the full Luther College profile
Loras College landed the #11 spot in Iowa this year. Based in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,824. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,528. Get the full Loras College report
Cornell College did well this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Mount Vernon, IA, Cornell College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,660. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,000. Get the full Cornell College report
Dordt College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,050. Graduates carry a median of $21,812 in student loans. See the full Dordt College profile
Saint Ambrose University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit school based in Davenport, IA. Saint Ambrose University posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. Students from in state pay about $36,658 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on Saint Ambrose University
Upper Iowa University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Set in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $19,475. The median Science & Tech program debt is $34,059. Get the full Upper Iowa University report
Buena Vista University landed the #16 spot in Iowa this year. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,317. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Morningside College landed the #17 spot in Iowa this year. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Morningside College Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. More on Morningside College
Waldorf College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. This private for-profit school is set in Forest City, IA. Waldorf College posts a six-year graduation rate of 24%. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,978. Waldorf College Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,622 in debt. Read the full report on Waldorf College
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #19 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,956. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
Coe College did well this year, earning the #20 position. Coe College is a private not-for-profit school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Coe College graduates 66% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,666. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,900. Read more about Coe College
Grand View University landed the #21 spot in Iowa this year. Located in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. Grand View University posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $34,762. Grand View University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,941 in debt. See the full Grand View University profile
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar did well this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Graceland University Lamoni placed #23 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Set in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. About 42% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,848. Graceland University Lamoni Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,509 in debt. Read more about Graceland University Lamoni
Hawkeye Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Hawkeye Community College is a public school based in Waterloo, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Hawkeye Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,001 in debt. See the full Hawkeye Community College profile
Mount Mercy University placed #25 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,878. Students borrow a median of $27,709 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Mount Mercy University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Science & Tech Degree Schools in Iowa
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Iowa Western Community College came in at #26 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Council Bluffs, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $7,080. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,153. More on Iowa Western Community College
Kirkwood Community College did well this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,779. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Iowa Central Community College did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Fort Dodge, IA, Iowa Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Students borrow a median of $16,135 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Iowa Central Community College profile
Briar Cliff University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Located in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. Briar Cliff University posts a six-year graduation rate of 48%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,918. Read more about Briar Cliff University
University Of Dubuque placed #30 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 40%. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,204. Get the full University Of Dubuque report
North Iowa Area Community College came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Mason City, IA, North Iowa Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,653, while out-of-state students pay about $9,551. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,043. More on North Iowa Area Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College did well this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
Clarke University placed #33 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Based in Dubuque, IA, Clarke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,910. Students borrow a median of $26,895 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Clarke University profile
Eastern Iowa Community College District placed #34 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Set in Davenport, IA, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Graduates carry a median of $15,995 in student loans. Read more about Eastern Iowa Community College District
William Penn University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Located in Oskaloosa, IA, William Penn University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 33% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,750. Students borrow a median of $28,341 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on William Penn University
Indian Hills Community College did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $15,390 in student loans. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. See the full Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School profile
Capri College Dubuque came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Read the full report on Capri College Dubuque
Pci Academy Ames
Pci Academy Ames placed #39 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Read the full report on Pci Academy Ames
The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls came in at #40 in this year's ranking. More on The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls
La James International College Davenport ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Read more about La James International College Davenport
La James College Of Hairstyling And Cosmetology did well this year, earning the #42 position. See the full La James College Of Hairstyling And Cosmetology profile
Hamilton Technical College did well this year, earning the #43 position. Read more about Hamilton Technical College
Allen College
Allen College landed the #44 spot in Iowa this year. Read more about Allen College
Palmer College Of Chiropractic Davenport placed #45 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. See the full Palmer College Of Chiropractic Davenport profile
Divine Word College landed the #46 spot in Iowa this year. Read more about Divine Word College
Southwestern Community College Creston ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Get the full Southwestern Community College Creston report
Emmaus Bible College placed #48 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. See the full Emmaus Bible College profile
Faith Baptist Bible College And Theological Seminary came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Read more about Faith Baptist Bible College And Theological Seminary
La James International College Cedar Falls placed #50 among Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Read the full report on La James International College Cedar Falls
More Science & Tech Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: State · 69 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 75 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.