Impact
Independent Higher Education
ICF Member Institutions
The impact of ICF is reflected in the success of its member institutions and the students they serve.
Across Iowa, ICF’s member colleges and universities educate thousands of students, strengthen local economies, and create pathways to opportunity. Together, they generate $1.8 billion in economic impact annually while preparing graduates who contribute to Iowa’s workforce, communities, and future prosperity.
Discover the measurable impact of Iowa’s independent colleges and universities and the difference they make every day.
Strengthening Iowa
Economic Engines
ICF champions over 20 independent colleges and universities that educate more than 32,000 students each year.
These institutions are not just schools, they are engines of opportunity, importing talent from across the nation and world, nurturing the next generation of leaders, and delivering extraordinary returns on Iowa’s future.
With minimal state support, just 2% of higher education appropriations, our member institutions deliver outsized impact: attracting non-residents who enrich our communities, keeping graduates in Iowa, and fueling economic vitality in every corner of the state.
Access
Creating Opportunity
ICF member colleges and universities collectively serve more than 32,000 students across Iowa, providing personalized learning environments where students are known, supported, and prepared to lead.
These institutions are helping students from all backgrounds access life-changing educational opportunities while reducing financial barriers that too often stand in the way of success.
More than 31% of undergraduate students at Iowa private four-year institutions receive Pell Grants, reflecting the important role independent colleges play in serving students with financial need.
Despite receiving only 2%, a small share, of state higher education appropriations, ICF members continue to provide significant access, support, and opportunity for students and families.
Talent That Stays and Succeeds
Our Graduates Power Iowa
Private liberal arts institutions are uniquely positioned to prepare students not only for their first job, but for long-term career success. Employers consistently value graduates who demonstrate communication skills, critical thinking, ethical leadership, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability in rapidly changing industries.
According to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, 70% of Iowa jobs will require education beyond high school by 2031.
ICF’s colleges are helping meet this demand by preparing graduates with both technical knowledge and the adaptable leadership skills employers increasingly seek.
Our institutions emphasize practical, career-ready skills: hands-on learning, internships, and partnerships with employers. Graduates enter the workforce prepared, with high job placement rates and lower-than-average debt, allowing them to contribute immediately rather than delay milestones like homeownership or family-starting.
From future teachers in rural classrooms to nurses in underserved hospitals and entrepreneurs revitalizing Main Streets, ICF supported students become the backbone of Iowa’s economy.
Returns That Multiply
Economic Impact
ICF member institutions are powerful economic engines for Iowa communities. Beyond educating students, they attract talent, support local economies, create jobs, and strengthen communities across the state.
Private colleges and universities generate more than $1.8 billion in annual economic impact and employ over 9,000 Iowans. These institutions act as anchors in their regions, driving local spending, supporting businesses, and attracting visitors and new residents.
Despite receiving only 2% of state higher education appropriations they deliver outsized value: importing thousands of non-resident students whose presence boosts housing, retail, and services, while producing graduates who stay and generate long-term income and tax revenue.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, ICF’s colleges enrolled more than 19,000 nonresident students meaning more than half of students attending ICF member institutions came from outside Iowa.
These students bring new talent, cultural diversity, spending power, and long-term workforce potential into Iowa communities. Many remain in the state after graduation, contributing to Iowa’s economy and workforce pipeline.
Impact Stories
Lives Changed
Every scholarship awarded, every degree earned, and every future transformed begins with opportunity.
“The work you and this organization do is so important and impactful. You make it possible for me to attend college without the weight of a heavy financial burden.”
Kaitlyn
William Penn University
“Thank you for providing scholarship support to students like me. It will help me continue my studies at William Penn for the next four years. My family and I truly appreciate what you are doing. It means so much.”
Maddison
William Penn University
“With this scholarship, I’m able to continue and complete my education at Drake University. Thank you for your generosity.”
Elizabeth
Drake University
“I’m so grateful to receive this scholarship because it helps me reach my future. Your generosity has made a real difference in my life, and I am sincerely thankful.”
Ines
Drake University
“Thank you for my scholarship. Without your assistance, I would be in a much tougher spot financially.”
Katie
Drake University
“Your thoughtfulness helps pave pathways for our students, and we are grateful to have you on this journey with us. We sincerely appreciate ICF.”
Dr. Rachelle Keck
President, Grand View University
“Thanks to generous donors like you, I can experience more at Wartburg.”
Alina
Wartburg College