Coe College

Coe offers 60+ majors anchored in the liberal arts, with standouts in business, biology, psychology, and a rare aviation management & flight operations program (paired with a business admin degree). The pre-engineering track leverages Coe’s small-class strengths—students work closely with professors in sciences, a selling point noted by Reddit users. The curriculum is rigorous but supportive, with students praising accessible faculty (one Redditor: 'I know my professors better than peers at big universities').

• Top majors: Business, biological/biomedical sciences, psychology (per U.S. News)
• Hands-on focus: 'Extensive experiential learning' emphasized, including research and internships
• Engineering: 3-2 program with Washington University and Columbia; strong physics/chem foundations

Life at Coe revolves around its residential campus (85% live on-site), where dorms aim to 'support student success' through community-building. The vibe is active but not overwhelming: Greek life is present (though not dominant), intramural sports and clubs like theater and art history draw crowds, and Cedar Rapids offers low-key urban escapes. Instagram posts from @coe_studentlife highlight wellness initiatives, interfaith programs, and Kohawk pride—typical of a school where 'you won’t remember the homework, but you’ll remember the people.'

• Housing: Required for first two years; options include themed floors
• Dining: Meal plans mandatory for on-campus students
• Safety: Niche reviews note a generally secure, walkable campus

Coe’s 96% post-grad success rate (employed or in grad school) outshines its 59% six-year graduation rate, suggesting students who persist land solid outcomes. Alumni earnings data isn’t stellar (typical for liberal arts schools), but the college touts strong regional employer networks. Notably, Pell Grant recipients graduate at 64%—matching the overall rate and signaling decent socioeconomic mobility.

• Graduation rate: 59% (54th percentile nationally)
• Employment: 96% of 2019–20 grads employed/continuing education (per Facebook report)
• ROI: Mixed; College Scorecard shows modest median earnings (~$44K early career)

At $58,780 sticker price, Coe is pricey but typical for private colleges—though 79% of students receive aid, slashing the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $21,237. First-year packages average $59,523 (scholarships, grants, loans), with $8,597 in loans typical. The Net Price Calculator suggests many pay far less, especially with merit aid?Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need. (Coe isn’t need-blind but offers substantial scholarships).

• Tuition: $58,780 (in/out-of-state same)
• Average aid package: $46,468 (Niche)
• Net price range: $20,940–$21,237 across sources

Coe punches above its weight with aviation management (rare at liberal arts schools), 96% job/grad school rates, and a tight residential community where professors know students by name. It’s not the fanciest or most selective liberal arts college, but for Midwestern students seeking small classes, strong sciences/business, and a balance of support and independence, Coe delivers—especially with aid bringing costs down to public-university levels.