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Hardest colleges to get into in Iowa

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Top 10 colleges in Iowa with the lowest acceptance rates

What are the hardest colleges to get into in Iowa? We've got you covered. We've compiled a national college database and have created a list of the hardest universities to get into in Iowa below. These are the hardest 4 year colleges to get into in Iowa, and sometimes some of the hardest colleges to get into in the US. You could even say these are the best colleges in Iowa. We also include each college's median SAT and ACT scores so that you can see where you're most competitive. Read on to find out more.

Acceptance rates and test scores are for students who applied to start college in fall 2024, from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard unless an entry names the school's own figures. SAT section scores and ACT scores are medians for enrolled first-year students who submitted them, and an SAT total is the two section medians added together. Published , updated .

Grinnell College acceptance rate

Grinnell College accepted 14.5% of applicants for fall 2024.
Grinnell College
At Grinnell College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1490.
  • SAT math: 760
  • SAT reading/writing: 730
The median ACT composite score at Grinnell College is 33.
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Drake University acceptance rate

Drake University accepted 63.9% of applicants for fall 2024.
Drake University
At Drake University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1300.
  • SAT math: 670
  • SAT reading/writing: 630
The median ACT composite score at Drake University is 27.
Drake University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Coe College acceptance rate

Coe College accepted 64% of applicants for fall 2024.
Coe College
At Coe College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1150.
  • SAT math: 570
  • SAT reading/writing: 580
The median ACT composite score at Coe College is 26.
Coe College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Dordt University acceptance rate

Dordt University accepted 68.5% of applicants for fall 2024.
Dordt University
At Dordt University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1225.
  • SAT math: 600
  • SAT reading/writing: 625
The median ACT composite score at Dordt University is 25.
Dordt University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Luther College acceptance rate

Luther College accepted 71.5% of applicants for fall 2024.
Luther College
At Luther College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1215.
  • SAT math: 605
  • SAT reading/writing: 610
The median ACT composite score at Luther College is 25.
Luther College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Wartburg College acceptance rate

Wartburg College accepted 75.8% of applicants for fall 2024.
Wartburg College
At Wartburg College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1030.
  • SAT math: 490
  • SAT reading/writing: 540
The median ACT composite score at Wartburg College is 23.
Wartburg College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Waldorf University acceptance rate

Waldorf University accepted 77% of applicants for fall 2024.
Waldorf University
No SAT scores for Waldorf University are available for fall 2024.
Waldorf University neither requires nor recommends SAT or ACT scores.

Saint Ambrose University acceptance rate

Saint Ambrose University accepted 77.3% of applicants for fall 2024.
Saint Ambrose University
At Saint Ambrose University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1050.
  • SAT math: 520
  • SAT reading/writing: 530
The median ACT composite score at Saint Ambrose University is 23.
Saint Ambrose University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Cornell College acceptance rate

Cornell College accepted 79.9% of applicants for fall 2024.
Cornell College
At Cornell College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1200.
  • SAT math: 590
  • SAT reading/writing: 610
The median ACT composite score at Cornell College is 26.
Cornell College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

University of Iowa acceptance rate

University of Iowa accepted 83.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
University of Iowa
At University of Iowa, the median SAT section scores add up to 1230.
  • SAT math: 610
  • SAT reading/writing: 620
The median ACT composite score at University of Iowa is 24.
University of Iowa considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Conclusion

Getting into any college is an accomplishment, but these schools are arguably the hardest to get into in Iowa. Knowledge is power, and we hope this list gives you the key data you need to make a decision on where you should apply. You will want to be above the median SAT or ACT score, and have a strong GPA with good extracurriculars. Good luck!
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