The 4 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa for 2024

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The editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best Christian colleges in Iowa to save you the search.

Searching for the best Christian colleges in Iowa can involve a fair bit of research with a number of options across the state. According to Pew Research Center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study, the religious composition of Christian adults in the state is 77 percent. Iowa’s Christian higher learning landscape includes colleges and universities with varying degrees of religious study, as well as dedicated Bible colleges for a scripture-first approach.

Choosing the institution that is right for you will largely depend on your spiritual and educational goals. It’s with this in mind that our editors assembled this list of the best Christian colleges in Iowa to consider. Each entry includes the school’s location and a brief “From the institution” description to give you a high-level overview of the college and save you time. Simply click the college name or logo to go direct to the institution’s website if you want to learn more.

Note: The best Christian colleges in Iowa are ranked in alphabetical order.

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The Best Christian Colleges in Iowa


Dordt UniversityDordt University

Location: Sioux Center, IA

From the institution: “Associated with the Christian Reformed Church, Dordt was founded in 1955 and welcomes all students who are interested in a biblical, Christ-centered education. The curriculum is designed to give each student a complete comprehensive education from a solid Reformed, Christian perspective. There are more than 40 majors and 11 pre-professional programs of study.”


Emmaus Bible CollegeEmmaus Bible College

Location: Dubuque, IA

From the institution: “Our mission as a biblical higher education community is to glorify God by educating and equipping learners to impact the world for Christ through faithful and effective service in their ministries, professions, and communities. Emmaus Bible College values its history and identity within the Brethren movement and teaches principles of church life rooted in New Testament truth, including the centrality of Christ, plurality of leadership, and priesthood of all believers.”


Northwestern CollegeNorthwestern College

Location: Orange City, IA

From the institution: “Northwestern aims to be the leading Christian college focused on student success and Christ-centered work for the common good. Northwestern College is a Christian college in the Reformed tradition, founded in 1882 and affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. We are committed to providing Christian higher education in the context of community among learners on campus and online. We offer bachelor’s degrees in traditional and professional programs, as well as graduate degrees and certificate programs.”


Wartburg CollegeWartburg College

Location: Waverly, IA

From the institution: “Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), internationally recognized for community engagement. Primarily focused on residential undergraduate education, the college offers degree programs in the arts and sciences and in the professions to help students discern and claim their callings.”


NOW READ: The Ultimate List of Christian Colleges and Universities in America by State


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Timothy Andrew

Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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