U.S. News & World Report rated Iowa State University's learning communities as an outstanding example of academic programs that lead to success. Learning communities at Iowa State draw in over 70% of first-year students and help develop a supportive network with other students, peer mentors, and professors. The program has served nearly 50,000 students while offering more than 80 learning communities. From Fall 2007 to Fall 2012, the total number of students participating in learning communities grew from 3,123 to 4,909 - a 57% growth.

At Iowa State University, learning communities are small groups of students who generally take a course or two together and may live in the same residence hall. Other characteristics include study groups, career exploration, introduction to university resources, community service projects, and social activities. Iowa State has built a reputation for almost unlimited academic and social opportunities in a personal and welcoming environment. Student demand from Iowa, nationally, and internationally continues to be strong with the university experiencing its fifth consecutive year of record enrollment.

Students in learning communities have generally earned higher first-semester grades and have persisted longer at Iowa State. The one-year retention rate for students involved in a learning community is 11% higher than the rate for those students who do not participate in a learning community.

Did you know? The university is among the nations' top 45 in providing well-prepared graduates, according to a 2009 Wall Street Journal survey of recruiters.

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