Coe College is a private liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, ranked #126 in the US News 2026 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list. Founded in 1851, it enrols roughly 1,400 undergraduates and admits Indian students through the Common Application every Fall and Spring intake.
The college offers 60+ undergraduate areas of study across business, sciences, nursing, computer science and the liberal arts, all taught in English. Indian applicants can enter directly or take the ELAB academic bridge route when English proficiency needs support, and the college charges no application fee for international students. Indian students choose Coe for its aid-rich model — merit awards up to USD 42,000 (INR 39.83 lakh) per year — and its no-cost application. Its US News rise of ten spots into the top 130 liberal arts colleges signals stronger academic recognition for the liberal arts universities in USA.
- US News rank: #126 National Liberal Arts Colleges (2026)
- Acceptance rate: 60% to 65% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Annual tuition 2026-27: USD 58,780 (INR 55.75 lakh)
- Median earnings four years post-graduation: USD 57,133 (INR 54.19 lakh)
Also Check: MS universities in USA
Coe waives the application fee and enrolment deposit is USD 300 (INR 28,449) due by 1 May. Indian applicants can request a merit-based Trustee Scholarship worth up to USD 38,000 (INR 36.03 lakh) even without SAT or ACT scores. Cost of attendance including tuition, housing and food sits at USD 76,472 (INR 72.51 lakh) per year for Indian F-1 visa holders, with post-study OPT valid for 12 months and up to 36 months for STEM majors.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 application deadline for international applicants is 1 October 2026, four weeks from today. Indian students targeting Fall 2027 have until 1 March 2027 to submit the Common Application with transcripts, English test scores and financial documents.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Coe College 2027
- Coe College Admission 2027
- Coe College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Coe College Acceptance Rate 2027
- Coe College Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Coe College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Coe College Scholarships 2027
- Coe College Rankings 2027
- Coe College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Coe College vs Peer Universities
- Coe College FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Coe College 2027
Coe College operates a single-tuition model. Every undergraduate major carries the same base tuition of USD 58,780 per year for 2026-27, plus a USD 350 student fee. All programmes run four years and are taught in English. The table below shows the five most-picked majors by Indian and international students, with the full four-year tuition cost.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (BA) | 4 years | 235,120 | 223.0 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 80% (recommended) |
| Computer Science (BA) | 4 years | 235,120 | 223.0 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 80% (recommended) |
| Nursing (BSN) | 4 years | 235,120 | 223.0 lakh | Class 12 with 80% to 85% (recommended) |
| Biology (BA/BS) | 4 years | 235,120 | 223.0 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 80% (recommended) |
| Psychology (BA) | 4 years | 235,120 | 223.0 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 80% (recommended) |
Tuition is charged annually, so a two-semester year totals USD 58,780 across Fall and Spring. Coe College does not offer graduate, MBA or PhD programmes, so all Indian applicants join at the bachelor’s level. The recommended Class 12 threshold matches Coe’s 3.0 GPA guideline for its test-optional pathway.
Insider note: Indian students most often pick Business Administration, Nursing and Computer Science at Coe because these majors carry the strongest OPT hiring signal in Iowa and neighbouring Chicago.
Read More: Coe College Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Coe College Admission 2027
Coe College runs two intakes per year for Indian applicants: Fall (August start) is the primary intake and Spring (January start) is a smaller secondary intake. All applications are submitted through the Common Application with no application fee for international students.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline | 1 October 2026 | Rolling review; earlier submissions get scholarship priority |
| Fall 2027 application deadline | 1 March 2027 | Primary intake; use for merit and Trustee awards |
| Global Leadership Scholarship deadline | 1 February 2027 | Full-tuition award; separate essay and interview needed |
| Enrolment deposit due | 1 May 2027 | USD 300 (INR 28,449) to secure I-20 |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | New international orientation the week before |
Planning note: Indian applicants aiming for the highest merit awards should submit by 1 December 2026 for Fall 2027 even though the official deadline is 1 March, since Trustee and Global Leadership pools shrink through the cycle.
Coe College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Coe College asks Indian applicants for a Class 12 board record, an English proficiency score and standard document verification. SAT and ACT are optional for most applicants.
- Academic: Class 12 pass from CBSE, ICSE or state board with 75% to 80% (recommended); Coe’s test-optional pathway uses a 3.0 GPA guideline
- English proficiency (direct entry): IELTS 6.0 with no subscore below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 68, or PTE 51
- English proficiency (ELAB bridge): IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 55 to 67, PTE 45, or Duolingo 90
- Standardised tests: SAT or ACT accepted in place of TOEFL/IELTS; test-optional for applicants with 3.0 GPA
Applicants must submit official transcripts translated to English, a counsellor recommendation, a personal essay and a financial support document showing funds for one academic year. STEP EIKEN grade 1 or pre-1 is also accepted as an English test.
Key insight: Coe accepts your CBSE or ICSE English medium of instruction letter as partial evidence, but you still need one of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, SAT or ACT to complete the language requirement.
Coe College Acceptance Rate 2027
Coe College does not publish an official acceptance rate on its international admissions page. Based on third-party data, the estimated acceptance rate sits at 60% to 65% (estimated), placing it in the moderately selective band for US National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Indian applicants with 75% or higher in Class 12 and IELTS 6.0 have a strong chance of receiving an offer within four weeks of submitting a complete application. Rolling review means earlier submissions receive faster decisions.
Reality check: A 60% to 65% band means most academically prepared Indian applicants get in, but scholarship money is the real competition. Aim for 80%+ Class 12 marks to qualify for the top merit tiers.
Read More: Coe College Acceptance Rate
Coe College Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student on the F-1 visa at Coe College is USD 76,472 (INR 72.51 lakh), covering tuition, fees, housing, food, health insurance and personal expenses.
Coe College Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Coe charges a single undergraduate tuition rate irrespective of major. Health insurance through Lewermark is mandatory for international students.
| Fee Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 58,780 | 55.75 lakh |
| Student fee | 350 | 33,190 |
| Health insurance (Lewermark) | 1,183 | 1.12 lakh |
| International orientation | 100 | 9,483 |
[Source: Coe College Educational Costs 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids for Indian Students
Coe requires most undergraduates to live on campus, so housing and meal plan costs are set by the college. Off-campus figures are estimates for Cedar Rapids.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus) | 506 | 47,984 |
| Food (meal plan) | 558 | 52,915 |
| Books and supplies | 100 | 9,483 |
| Transportation | 75 | 7,112 |
| Personal expenses | 220 | 20,863 |
| Total (monthly) | 1,459 | 1.38 lakh |
| Total (annual) | 17,510 | 16.61 lakh |
[Source: Coe College official cost estimate 2026-27]
Insider note: Cedar Rapids is one of the cheaper US college cities. Indian students save 30% to 40% on rent versus Chicago or Boston, and a Coe meal plan removes daily cooking pressure during freshman year.
Read More: Cost of Living for Indian Students in USA
Coe College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Coe College sits on a compact 65-acre campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a mid-sized city with a metro population near 275,000 and a 30-minute drive to Iowa City.
- Location: Downtown Cedar Rapids; free campus shuttle plus city bus routes to Lindale Mall and Eastern Iowa Airport
- Housing: On-campus housing guaranteed for all four years; first-year students required to live in residence halls
- Facilities: Stewart Memorial Library, Peterson Hall of Science, Marquis Hall dining, and Eby Fieldhouse athletic complex
- Indian community: Over 80 international students from 25+ countries including India, Nepal, Japan and China; International Student Affairs office runs a full support programme
What Indian students say: International peer mentors help new arrivals with SSN paperwork and airport pickup. The library stays open till 2 am during finals, and desi grocery runs happen every fortnight to nearby stores in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
Coe College Scholarships 2027
Coe College offers automatic merit scholarships to every admitted international student and stacks named awards on top. Indian applicants qualify for the general merit pool by submitting the standard application.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship (max) | Merit | Up to USD 42,000 (INR 39.83 lakh) per year | Automatic on admission; based on academic record | Application deadline |
| Trustee Scholarship (test-optional) | Merit | Up to USD 38,000 (INR 36.03 lakh) per year | 3.0 GPA equivalent, no SAT/ACT needed | Application deadline |
| Global Leadership Scholarship | Full tuition | Full tuition (INR 55.75 lakh) per year | Interview and essay; leadership record required | 1 February 2027 |
| Iowa Sister States Scholarship | Country-specific | USD 16,000 (INR 15.17 lakh) per year | Citizens of Iowa sister states/regions | Application deadline |
[Source: Coe College International Tuition, Fees and Scholarships page]
Planning note: The Global Leadership Scholarship closes a month before the Fall 2027 deadline. Indian applicants aiming for full tuition must have SAT/ACT scores and complete leadership essays ready by 1 February 2027.
Read More: Coe College Scholarships Guide
Coe College Rankings 2027
Coe College is ranked #126 in the US News 2026 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list, up ten spots from #136 the previous year. It is not evaluated in QS or THE global rankings, which weight research output and PhD scale that small US liberal arts colleges do not pursue.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Liberal Arts | 2026: #126 | 2025: #136 | NA |
| US News Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026: #81 | NA | NA |
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Key insight: A top-130 US News National Liberal Arts rank meets I-20 visa eligibility and matches employer expectations for US OPT hiring. Coe’s #81 Social Mobility rank signals genuine outcome uplift for international and first-generation students.
Read More: Coe College Rankings Analysis
Coe College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Coe College reports strong career outcomes through its Center for Creativity and Careers. Nearly all graduates land in employment, graduate school or full-time service within six months of finishing.
- Six-month outcome rate: Nearly 100% employed, in graduate school, military or full-time service (Coe First Destination Reports)
- Three-year employment: 93.3% employed within three years of graduation
- Median earnings (4 years post-graduation): USD 57,133 (INR 54.19 lakh) — market median
- Hiring sectors: Financial services, healthcare, technology, education and public sector across Iowa, Chicago and Minneapolis
- Career support: Four-year career coaching, alumni mentoring, and OPT/CPT visa support through International Student Affairs
OPT allows Indian graduates 12 months of US work authorisation after the degree, extendable by 24 more months for STEM majors like Computer Science, Data Science and Biochemistry.
Insider note: Iowa and Chicago recruiters visit Coe every semester for Business, Nursing and CS majors. Indian graduates in STEM programmes benefit most from the 36-month OPT window and Coe’s Chicago alumni network.
Coe College vs Peer Universities
Peers below are small to mid-size US private liberal arts colleges in the Midwest that compete for the same Indian applicant pool on aid and English-medium instruction.
| College | US News National Liberal Arts 2026 | Annual Tuition (USD/INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coe College | #126 | 58,780 / 55.75 lakh | Zero application fee; Trustee award without SAT |
| Cornell College (Iowa) | #95 | 54,000 / 51.21 lakh (estimated) | One-course-at-a-time block schedule |
| Grinnell College (Iowa) | #20 | 68,000 / 64.48 lakh (estimated) | Need-blind aid for international applicants |
| Beloit College (Wisconsin) | #111 | 57,000 / 54.05 lakh (estimated) | Strong anthropology and area studies focus |
| Knox College (Illinois) | #100 | 58,000 / 55.00 lakh (estimated) | Chicago proximity and diverse international cohort |
Coe stands out for waiving the application fee entirely and running a Trustee Scholarship path that does not need SAT or ACT scores. Its total annual sticker cost is 20% lower than Grinnell while offering the same OPT and STEM extension benefits.
Key insight: Coe’s merit stack often beats higher-ranked peers on net cost. An Indian applicant with 85%+ in Class 12 can bring the effective tuition below INR 20 lakh per year through the Trustee and Global Leadership routes.
Coe College fits Indian applicants who want a small liberal arts campus, generous merit funding without heavy testing, and a clear post-study OPT pathway. Total four-year tuition of INR 223.0 lakh compared with median post-degree earnings of INR 54.19 lakh per year gives strong ROI once scholarships apply, and the F-1 to OPT to H-1B route through Iowa and Chicago employers remains realistic for STEM majors — see study in USA guide for visa details.
Coe is not the right pick for applicants who need a graduate MBA, PhD, or a big-city research campus, or who want central-city amenities. Indian students in that profile should look at MS in USA options at larger public research universities like Purdue or Iowa State that offer PG programmes and bigger metro placement pools.
Coe College FAQs
Ques. Does Coe College offer any graduate or MBA programs?
Ans. No. Coe College is an undergraduate-only institution offering 60+ bachelor’s areas of study across business, sciences, nursing, computer science and the humanities. There is no MBA, no master’s, and no PhD. Indian students seeking postgraduate study in the US should apply to research universities. Coe undergraduates often continue to graduate school elsewhere after their bachelor’s degree.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Coe College?
Ans. Yes. F-1 visa holders at Coe can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time and 40 hours during breaks. On-campus jobs include library assistant, dining hall, IT support and lab work. Off-campus employment requires CPT or OPT authorisation, usually starting in the second year. Wages typically range from USD 10 to 14 per hour at Coe.
Ques. How does the test-optional policy work for Indian applicants at Coe?
Ans. Coe College is test-optional for applicants with a 3.0 GPA equivalent, which maps to Class 12 marks of 75% to 80%. Indian applicants meeting this threshold can skip SAT and ACT scores and still qualify for the Trustee Scholarship worth up to USD 38,000 (INR 36.03 lakh) per year. SAT or ACT scores are still helpful for full-tuition awards like the Global Leadership Scholarship.
Ques. Is the Common Application accepted for Coe College admission?
Ans. Yes. Coe College accepts only the Common Application for both first-year and transfer international students. Indian applicants complete the Common App profile, add Coe from the college search, and submit the personal essay along with transcripts, English test scores and financial documents. Coe charges no application fee for international students, making it one of the more accessible US private colleges on cost of applying.
Ques. Which English test alternatives does Coe College accept besides IELTS?
Ans. Coe accepts IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 68, PTE 51, and STEP EIKEN grade 1 or pre-1 for direct entry. For the ELAB bridge program, minimums drop to IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 55 to 67, PTE 45 or Duolingo English Test 90. SAT and ACT can also substitute for an English test if scores are strong enough on the reading and writing sections.
Ques. How can Indian students apply for the Coe ELAB bridge program?
Ans. The English Language and Academic Bridge (ELAB) program is offered at Coe College for Fall intake only, with a 1 March deadline. Indian applicants with IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 55 to 67, or Duolingo 90 apply through the standard Common Application and note ELAB interest. Students complete one semester of intensive English support alongside credit-bearing courses before moving into full degree study.
Ques. Does Coe College require SAT or ACT scores from Indian applicants?
Ans. No. Coe is test-optional for Indian applicants with 3.0 GPA equivalent or higher. SAT and ACT scores are welcome but not mandatory. Submitting scores can unlock the Global Leadership full-tuition scholarship and boost merit award amounts. Applicants without SAT or ACT still receive Trustee Scholarships worth up to USD 38,000 (INR 36.03 lakh) per year based on academic record alone.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers finance Coe College students?
Ans. Indian public and private lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank, SBI Global Ed-Vantage and Axis Bank finance Coe College students. Loans typically cover tuition and living costs up to INR 75 lakh with a co-signer in India. Indian students should share the Coe I-20 and cost of attendance letter with the lender to unlock full-cost financing, usually with 8% to 12% interest rates.
Coe College Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B.S Biology 4 years | INR 56.2 L/Yr USD 58,780 /Yr | TOEFL iBT: 4 | IELTS: 6.0 | PTE: 51 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Coe College Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 19.1 L/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 95,650/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 95,650/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Coe College Admissions
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Coe College Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1200 | 1073 | 1326 | 10 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 591 | 533 | 648 | - |
| Mathematics | 609 | 540 | 678 | - |
| ACT | 25 | 22 | 28 | 90 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 25 | 21 | 28 | - |
| Mathematics | 24 | 21 | 27 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Coe College Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1296 | 1290 | 6 | - |


















Comments