Iowa's Premier College Towns: A Comprehensive Guide
Iowa, home to three public universities and more than a dozen private colleges and universities, boasts a vibrant higher education landscape. Among these institutions, several cities stand out as exceptional college towns, offering a unique blend of academic, economic, and social opportunities. This article delves into the best college towns in Iowa, highlighting their strengths and what makes them attractive to students and residents alike. To be included in the list, a city needed to have at least 7,500 students. Academic and economic opportunities, such as quality of education and earning potential for graduates, were weighted most heavily in the calculations.
Ames: Home of Iowa State University
Ames, home to Iowa State University since 1858, emerges as the highest-rated college town in Iowa. In a recent evaluation, Ames secured the 116th position out of 315 cities, achieving an overall score of 50.36 out of 100. While this reflects a slight dip from its 112th ranking in the previous year, Ames continues to offer a compelling environment for students.
Key Rankings for Ames:
- Wallet Friendliness: 114
- Social Environment: 62
- Academic and Economic Opportunities: 342
Des Moines: Iowa's Capital and Educational Hub
Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, secures the second-best college town title in the state. It is home to Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, Grand View University, and Mercy College of Health Sciences. The Des Moines metro area also hosts Des Moines University in West Des Moines, Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, and Simpson College in Indianola. Iowa's largest city received a score of 49.88 and ranked 135th in the country.
Key Rankings for Des Moines:
- Wallet Friendliness: 185
- Social Environment: 166
- Academic and Economic Opportunities: 219
Iowa City: A Hub of Academic Excellence and Cultural Richness
Iowa City, once considered home to the nation's best party school, is the third-best college town in Iowa for the second consecutive year. It scored a 49.03 out of 100 overall and ranked 167th nationally.
Iowa City stands out as a shining example of a great American college town. Founded in 1839 and serving as the Iowa state capital from 1846 until 1857, this tight-knit community of 75,000 souls continues to play a key role in the state, including as a center of academic excellence thanks to the presence of the University of Iowa (UI). Consistently ranking as one of the top public universities in the country, UI’s presence in Iowa City ensures students and residents alike benefit not only culturally but also economically. And it is definitely a symbiotic relationship. Thanks to the town's relatively small size, students have the luxury of being able to walk from campus to the downtown in minutes. At the same time, it is large enough to provide a wide range of entertainment and job opportunities, striking a balance that other college towns strive to emulate. Iowa City has successfully embraced its identity as one of the Midwest’s leading centers of learning, cementing not just its academic reputation but also its position as one of the best places to live in Iowa.
Read also: Iowa Universities
The University of Iowa: A Historical Cornerstone
Founded in 1847, just a few weeks after Iowa achieved statehood, the University of Iowa was established by the state legislature to encourage higher education in the region. Early leaders, including Amos Dean, UI's first law professor, and Silas Totten, one of its first presidents, helped build a curriculum that was to set the tone for innovation and academic excellence. Iowa City was already the state capital at that time, with the presence of already-established government and cultural institutions making it an ideal environment for learning.
When classes first began, enrollment was only around 125 students, a far cry from the present-day figure of more than 30,000, one of the largest in the Midwest. Known for programs such as the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the College of Law, and the Carver College of Medicine, the university has long held a reputation for strong research, creative output, and a commitment to accessible education. Thanks to the university’s groundbreaking writing programs, Iowa City has earned UNESCO status as a "City of Literature," a designation it wears with pride. Notable alumni who have attained worldwide acclaim in literature, film, and public service include writer John Irving, who attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop; actor Gene Wilder, who studied Communication and Theatre; and playwright Tennessee Williams, who took classes here before launching his celebrated career.
Economic and Cultural Intertwining
Since its founding, the University of Iowa has been a critical contributor to Iowa City’s growth. The number of students has climbed steadily, pumping an estimated $8 billion into the state's economy annually, a significant portion of which directly benefits Iowa City and its residents. The cultural and social ties run just as deep. The Old Capitol building, once the state's seat of government, now sits at the center of campus and symbolizes the shared legacy between town and gown. The annual Iowa City Book Festival, co-hosted by university organizations, brings authors and readers from across the nation to celebrate a mutual love of literature, while the famed "Iowa Wave," a tradition at Hawkeye football games, sees fans at Kinnick Stadium wave to patients in the adjacent children’s hospital. Music and the performing arts are also essential elements of the town’s character. Concerts at the university’s Hancher Auditorium draw world-famous musicians and local performers alike, while touring Broadway shows also occasionally make a stop. During the academic year, university departments host film festivals, speaker series, and art exhibits that are open to the public.
Key Rankings for Iowa City:
- Wallet Friendliness: 105
- Social Environment: 107
- Academic and Economic Opportunities: 351
Exploring Iowa City: A Tourist's Guide
If you are planning on visiting Iowa City, be sure to include the university campus on your itinerary and place The Old Capitol Museum at the top. Built in 1842 from local Iowa limestone, this attractive building served as the seat of government from 1846 to 1857 and, at one time, housed the entire University of Iowa campus. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, it now houses fascinating exhibits about Iowa's political and educational history in its old legislative chambers. The Old Capitol is part of the Pentacrest, a group of academic buildings that serves as the center of campus. Lush lawns surround these impressive Neoclassical structures, one of which houses the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Established in 1858, the museum's vast collection of over 140,000 objects features everything from birds to mammals and insects from across the globe, along with archaeological artifacts and historical documents. Other campus highlights include the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, home to collections ranging from African sculptures to modern American paintings (tours and educational programs are available). For literature fans, Dey House serves as the heart of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and is where many Pulitzer and National Book Award winners honed their craft. Iowa City Downtown District is the star attraction off campus. Just a few blocks from the Pentacrest (it is literally a five-minute walk), you can easily spend the day exploring without the need for a car. Highlights include the Pedestrian Mall (or "Ped Mall" if you are a local), a car-free zone along East College Street that is home to unique shops, specialty bookstores, and outdoor seating at eateries and coffeehouses. Visit when the weather is nice, and you are likely to be entertained by talented buskers. The Iowa Avenue Literary Walk (or 'Lit Walk") is a fun self-guided tour that honors famous writers with ties to Iowa, including William Shirer and Kurt Vonnegut, and features quotes etched into the sidewalks. Art aficionados will want to visit the Englert Theatre, a historic venue built in 1912 that continues to host plays, concerts, and community events throughout the year. If you enjoy the great outdoors, Lake Macbride State Park is a must-visit. Covering 2,180 acres and just 14 miles north of campus, the lake itself is the big draw and is a popular spot among locals and students interested in fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking. The 16-mile-long River Corridor Trail is another popular hiking route, and thanks to its paved surfaces, it is also great for biking. When you are done exploring, places to stay, such as Iowa House Hotel and the Graduate by Hilton Iowa City, provide quality accommodations within an easy walk of campus, the Iowa River, as well as the downtown area. As for dining, local favorites include Basta Pizzeria Ristorante, a great choice for its Italian-inspired menu.
Cedar Falls: Home to the University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, home to the University of Northern Iowa, is recognized as the fourth-best college town in Iowa. It scored 47.32 overall out of 100 and ranked in 178th place. Cedar Falls improved its rating from the previous year, moving from 249th place in 2024. Cedar Falls was the only Iowa city to have a category rank in the top 25 nationally.
Read also: The Story of UNI Panthers Football
Key Rankings for Cedar Falls:
- Wallet Friendliness: 21
- Social Environment: 195
- Academic and Economic Opportunities: 329
Davenport: A Hub of Higher Education in the Quad Cities
Davenport, home to several higher education institutions such as Saint Ambrose University, Eastern Iowa Community College District and Palmer College of Chiropractic, ranks as the fifth-best college town in Iowa. Davenport ranked as the 181st best college town with a score of 48.67.
Key Rankings for Davenport:
- Wallet Friendliness: 129
- Social Environment: 329
- Academic and Economic Opportunities: 160
Top College Towns in the United States
To provide a broader perspective, here are some of the top college towns in the United States:
- Austin, Texas: 64.54
- Ann Arbor, Michigan: 62.22
- Orlando, Florida: 60.61
- Tampa, Florida: 60.55
- Raleigh, North Carolina: 60.18
Read also: UUI Tuition Costs
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