Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.

Most selective Christian colleges in Iowa

Christian colleges that admit the smallest share of applicants.

Most selective Christian colleges in Iowa3 schools

3 schools qualify, ranked by admission rate.

How this list is made

  • Schools in Iowa.
  • Christian undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
  • Faith grade B or better (Faith score 70 or higher). Cost and outcomes never change a grade.
  • Has an admission rate from federal data (College Scorecard). Average SAT scores are shown where the college reports them.
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by admission rate, lowest first. Selectivity measures demand for places, not the quality of a school’s faith life.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Emmaus Bible College

    Dubuque, IA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 60%
    • Average SAT 1161
  2. 2

    Dordt University

    Sioux Center, IA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 68%
    • Average SAT 1221
  3. 3

    Northwestern College

    Orange City, IA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 80%

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Emmaus Bible College$13,186$15,750$42,63183%
Dordt University$25,807$21,500$52,55970%
Northwestern College$25,907$23,249$49,80266%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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What would it cost your family?

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Will you get in?

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