Iowa State University rose four spots in its national university ranking. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
The University of Iowa’s place in national rankings dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in its history of being included in the U.S. News and World annual report as its fellow state universities and some private colleges climbed.
No matter where they landed in the rankings, many of Iowa’s universities touted student enrollment and retention rates as true signs of strength.
More than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities are included in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, according to a U.S. News & World article announcing the rankings. Universities’ placement within the different ranking categories were determined by anywhere from 13 to 17 factors, the media company stated online, including different graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, faculty numbers and pay and more.
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State universities
The University of Iowa lost its spot in the top 100 national universities for the first time since its launch at rank 57 on the list in 2004, falling from number 98 to 102 out of 436 and tying with seven other universities.
Its rankings for specific programs, including writing, undergraduate nursing and insurance, are all in the top 10 for this year, according to a news release from the UI, and is tied at 49th place for top public schools.
Of that top 50, the release stated the UI is one of only five universities to admit more than 80% of its applicants. UI President Barbara Wilson said in the release the university’s achievement of nearly 91% retention while still “admitting broadly” is a sign its mission is being fulfilled.
“The University of Iowa offers a world-class education while remaining accessible to every college-ready student,” Wilson said. “We are proud of the recognition, but even more proud of the real results we deliver for students and for the state of Iowa.”
Iowa State University climbed four spots in its national university ranking, going from 121st to a tie for 117th place. The Ames university placed 57th among top public schools, but its undergraduate engineering programs tied for 50th and biological and agricultural areas reached the number-one slot.
While not ranked in the same categories as the UI and ISU, the University of Northern Iowa has taken second place among top public regional universities in the Midwest, a continuing trend according to a news release from the Cedar Falls university.
UNI moved up one spot to 10th in the overall category for Midwest regional universities, according to the release, and was named the fourth-best college for veterans.
“These rankings annually reaffirm the many reasons why students across the Midwest are choosing UNI,” said UNI Director of University Relations Pete Moris in the release. “Whether it’s the high quality of our academic programs or the exceptional value we provide families, UNI continues to be recognized as one of the top public institutions in the Midwest.”
Private universities
Dordt University in Sioux Center is the only Iowa university to outrank UNI in the list of best Midwest regional universities, moving up one slot to fifth this year, according to a news release from the college. The institution also earned a #5 ranking in the best value category, and was ranked second for best undergraduate teaching.
Greg Van Dyke, Dordt University vice president for admissions, said in the release the rankings affirm the university’s growth and efforts to prepare students for careers and “lives of impact.”
“Being recognized by a respected organization like U.S. News & World Report is encouraging, but our focus remains clear: we exist to equip students to work for Christ-centered renewal in every area of life,” said Dordt President Erik Hoekstra in the release. “Rankings like these are affirming, but ultimately, we’re here for Christ and to help our students plug into His Kingdom purpose.”
Drake University in Des Moines ranks the highest out of Iowa’s private institutions included in the national universities category at #183, followed by Clarke University in Dubuque and St. Ambrose University in Davenport, both tied for 352nd place. Briar Cliff University in Sioux City ranks 384th.
Of the Iowa universities included in the national liberal arts colleges list, Grinnell College comes out on top — moving up six slots to 13th place in the ranking. The university, located in Grinnell, also came in third for undergraduate teaching, another six-spot climb, as well as earning 8th place for best value schools and 13th for most innovative schools.
Also ranked in the national liberal arts college category are Luther College in Decorah at 111th, Cornell College in Mount Vernon at 121st, Coe College at 126th, Central College in Pella at 131st and Wartburg College in Waverly at 156th place.
According to a news release from Grinnell College, these rankings come from the college’s “strong graduation rates for Pell-eligible students, as well as outperforming U.S. News’ predictive model for graduation rates.”
“These recognitions underscore Grinnell’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and college access,” said Grinnell College President Anne Harris in the release. “Our progress in areas like innovation, teaching, and social mobility reflects the strength of a Grinnell education—one that combines vibrant intellectual experience with campus community support, preparing our students to thrive and deepening our investment in every student’s success.”
