Quality programs make Iowa a smart choice

Iowa's college campuses offer a variety of settings. The University of Iowa's Pentacrest includes Iowa's old capitol building / Gazette file photo.

By Gale Smetana
For Iowa.com

When it comes to finding a good place to go to college, there’s no place like Iowa. In addition to the state’s three public universities, there are 30 private colleges and universities, 15 community colleges and plenty of quality vocational options throughout the state.

National rankings put many of the state’s public and private colleges and universities among the best schools in the country. For example,  U.S. News and World Report’s 2009 edition of America’s Best Colleges has ranked:

• University of Iowa and Iowa State University among the Top 100 best colleges in the nation.
• Drake University, University of Northern Iowa, and St. Ambrose University among the 40 best Midwestern colleges with master’s programs.
• Grinnell College, Cornell College and Luther College as among the top 100 liberal arts colleges.
• Northwestern College, Dordt College, Buena Vista University, Loras College and Mount Mercy College, Morningside College and Briar Cliff University among the top 30 baccalaureate colleges in the Midwest.

Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time, returning for an advanced degree or changing careers, there are also plenty of agencies to help guide the selection process and navigate financial aid options. Consult the Iowa College Access Network (ICANN) , College Navigator and Iowa College Student Aid Commission to name a few.

Another quality tool, the Iowa Communications Network facilitates distance learning in 744 classrooms with its fiber-optic network and partnerships with education, medicine, judicial system, government agencies and the National Guard.

Learn more:

• List of Iowa Colleges
• Map of Iowa Colleges (Iowa Student Aid Commission)
• Countdown to College
• Campus Survival