911勛圖厙

3 minute read

Iowa: Small Colleges and Universities

Wartburg College, Buena Vista 911勛圖厙, Clarke College, Iowa Wesleyan College, Luther College



Located in America’s heartland, Iowa derives its name from the Ioway Native Americans, who resided in the region at the time of European settlement in the new world. Originally established as an agriculture based economy, in recent years Iowa has diversified itself to include business in the way of manufacturing, processing, financial services, and most recently, green energy production. Though Iowa has three large state universities, which make up the vast majority of their student population, the state also includes a number of small private and colleges and universities specializing in a variety of professional fields. From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, excellence in higher education can be found throughout the state of Iowa.



A small Lutheran based liberal arts college located in the rural country of Bremer, Wartburg College emphasizes a small learning environment alongside vigorous academic expectations. Through this combination, Wartburg believes in nurturing students that will become leaders of tomorrow. An extended focus on ethics, values, internships and cultural immersion is intended to harness a student population that believes in their potential based on a their diverse educational experience. Provided with a number of international study programs, Wartburg has faith in their students’ capacity to develop a multicultural perspective by means of their global experiences.

Providing forty-three majors and 15 pre-professional programs to choose from, Buena Vista provides options for their students to choose from. Given the variety and scope of the disciplines offered at Buena Vista, students are encouraged to find their passion and to follow through with studies related to that passion. Professors at Buena Vista utilize imaginative ways of teaching, opening up the potential for students to become interested in subjects they may have never known existed. For students with multiple interests, Buena Vista provides the unique opportunity to form your own major based on a combination of different discipline that interest you. New tools and resources, such as the Career Explorer allow students to learn about themselves and their interests, making the decision to learn about a particular subject that suits you, an ultimate goal of the institution.

Established in 1843 by Mary Francis Clarke with the goal of creating an institution of higher education rooted in its Catholic mission, Clarke College has always sought to evolve with the changing times. An impressive dedication to education has guided Clarke College into the 21st century. New programs and degrees are an essential element of Clarke College, which prides itself in its progressive approach to a Catholic education. The College puts students in front as the most important element in an institution of higher education. That said, more focus is granted on small class sizes and individualized learning. Provided with a personalized educational experience, students are thus able to choose disciplines and fields of study that best suit them. This is complimented by a strong sense of attention to the heritage of the institute and what it stands for in the modern day.

In the region west of the Mississippi river, Iowa Wesleyan College is one of the oldest private coeducational colleges. Founded in 1842, the mission of the college is to prepare students for success in a challenging global world. A tiny enrollment of just fewer than 1,000 students makes this among the most intimate college settings in the state of Iowa. The college’s affiliation with the United Methodist Church goes further to exemplify their commitment to spiritual values, social justice, and human welfare. In a global sense, Iowa Wesleyan College seeks to prepare students to implement these values wherever they may travel.

Among the premiere liberal arts colleges in the American Midwest, Luther College exemplifies its high standard in their various achievements and affiliations. For example, A Phi Beta Kappa chapter attests to the academic excellence of Luther College. In addition, sixty majors as well as more pre-professional disciplines, provide students with a variety of choices when seeking their bachelor of arts degree. Enrolled students from over forty states and 44 countries comprise the population at Luther College. Furthermore, the scenic Decorah campus has exceptional facilities and views of the Oneota Valley as well as the upper Iowa river.

With a combined enrollment figure of just over 2,000 students, and located just twelve miles form Iowa’s capital and largest metropolitan area, Simpson College provides both a small campus charm with quick and easy access to the abundant resources available in the urban area of Des Moines. An excellent faculty and renowned curricula provides students with interesting learning opportunities in over 40 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. The quiet and beautiful tree-lined campus provide an ideal learning environment where students can focus on their own creative and intellectual will, as well as the productive nature that goes into receiving a higher education degree.

Additional topics

Best Colleges by State