Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Iowa
Catholic colleges ranked by the theology and core pillar: required theology and philosophy, Catholic content, and the core curriculum.
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.
- Has a graded theology and core pillar and a complete Compass Score.
- Ordered by the theology and core pillar score alone, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1(tie)
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade C
- 1 required theology course
- 1(tie)
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, IA · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade C
- 1 required theology course
- 3
- 4
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IA · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade D
- 1 required theology course
- 5
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Ambrose University | $24,691 | $25,000 | $59,531 | 61% |
| Mount Mercy University | $20,168 | $23,699 | $60,787 | 58% |
| Loras College | $20,716 | $26,000 | $58,289 | 68% |
| Briar Cliff University | $23,907 | $23,250 | $54,475 | 48% |
| Clarke University | $24,479 | $26,717 | $55,396 | 56% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.