Best Catholic colleges in Iowa
Catholic colleges ranked by the Compass Score: 75% faith across the four pillars and 25% academics from federal data.
Best Catholic colleges in Iowa5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Iowa.
- Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
- 2
- 3
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, IA · Private nonprofit- Sacramental life: grade C
- Mass 1–2 weekdays
- 4
- 5
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loras College | $20,716 | $26,000 | $58,289 | 68% |
| Saint Ambrose University | $24,691 | $25,000 | $59,531 | 61% |
| Mount Mercy University | $20,168 | $23,699 | $60,787 | 58% |
| Clarke University | $24,479 | $26,717 | $55,396 | 56% |
| Briar Cliff University | $23,907 | $23,250 | $54,475 | 48% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.