Latino College Completion -
Iowa
Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment.
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Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026)
25%
Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher
VS
45%
Of White adults
Fast Facts
Iowa had the 36th largest Latino population in the U.S.
Latino Population
12%
K-12 Population
7%
Total Population
Enrollment
18%
Latino Students
22%
White Students
Median Age
26
Latinos
42
White
Median Income
$37,424
Without a college degree
$60,498
With a college degree
Degree Outcomes
At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Iowa.
At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Iowa.
Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026
Rank | Institution Name | Sector | Total Enrollment | Hispanic Enrollment | % Hispanic Enrollment | Total Completions | Hispanic Completions | % Hispanic Completions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Iowa | Public, 4-year or above | 21,691 | 1,985 | 9% | 5,180 | 405 | 8% |
2 | Iowa State University | Public, 4-year or above | 25,033 | 1,803 | 7% | 6,011 | 375 | 6% |
3 | Des Moines Area Community College | Public, 2-year | 10,406 | 1,112 | 11% | 2,020 | 164 | 8% |
4 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | Public, 2-year | 2,589 | 594 | 23% | 435 | 85 | 20% |
5 | Kirkwood Community College | Public, 2-year | 7,438 | 564 | 8% | 1,614 | 94 | 6% |
Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students
Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia?
Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.