DES MOINES, Iowa ( IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH ) - Some of Iowa’s private universities are touting increasingly large and diverse student bodies as enrollment numbers for the 2025 fall semester are confirmed, statistics college officials attribute to their efforts to subdue sticker shock and ensure all students feel welcome.

Universities from Orange City to Des Moines and Sioux Center to Sioux City saw growth in enrollment this fall, including Drake University, Northwestern College, Dordt University, Buena Vista University and Morningside University.

Morningside University beat last year’s numbers and its own expectations for enrollment this fall, breaking 400 when the goal was to top 350. This was a surprise to Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management Steph Peters, who said the univ

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