Best Test-Optional Iowa Colleges
Iowa has 20 ranked test-optional colleges, part of our national test-optional list. These schools do not require SAT or ACT scores with your application, ranked by academic quality and outcomes.
Grinnell College tops our 2027 test-optional rankings in Iowa. The top rated public option is University of Iowa. Also highly ranked: Drake University, University of Iowa and Luther College.
Without test scores, your GPA, activities, recommendation letters, and essays carry more weight. Compare acceptance rates, tuition, and enrollment across the colleges below. Sort by tuition or acceptance rate to find schools that fit your profile. See our ranking methodology for how schools are scored.
William Penn University
- Private 4 Year
- Oskaloosa, IA
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William Penn is a private Quaker-affiliated university known for undergraduate teacher education and business. Most undergrads live on the residential campus in the small town of Oskaloosa.
- SAT Range 880-1110
- Avg GPA 3.0
- Acceptance Rate 52%
- Net Price $22,740
Upper Iowa University
- Private 4 Year
- Fayette, IA
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| 0 reviews
Upper Iowa is a private university known for undergraduate business, education, and human services. The residential campus sits in the small town of Fayette in northeast Iowa.
- SAT Range 970-1160
- Avg GPA 3.34
- Acceptance Rate 96%
- Net Price $20,426