University of Iowa
About University of Iowa
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. It is known for its Writers' Workshop, the most prestigious creative writing program in the country, alongside strong programs in health sciences, law, and business.
Founded
1847
Location
Iowa City, Iowa
Students
30,305
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
83.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
74.6%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$11,283
Out-of-state: $33,371
Avg Net Price
$22,531
After financial aid
SAT Average
1200
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$64,762
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
Nov 2
Regular
Feb 1
University of Iowa accepts the majority of applicants at 83.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1200/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
74.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
90.4%
4-Year Grad
56%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
87.6%
$/Student
$15.7K
Class Size
Medium
While 56% finish in 4 years, 90.4% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,283
In-State
$33,371
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,920
Books & Supplies
$950
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,596
After Financial Aid
$22,531
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$15,316
Receive Grants
18.4%
Take Loans
41.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,596/yr for in-state students, including $12,920 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $22,531. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $33,371.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Iowa fund their education.
While in School
18.4%
Get Grants
Free money
41.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$72,993
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$239/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Iowa.
Gender
56.7%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
22,264
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,041
Graduates
22.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 22.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
22,264
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature
- +Famous Iowa Writers' Workshop attracts top talent
- +Affordable Midwest living with strong community
- +Hawkeye athletics bring exciting game days
Cons
- -Iowa City is isolated in rural Iowa
- -Cold, flat Midwest winters
- -Large university can feel impersonal at first
- -Party culture is prominent downtown
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Iowa fields 14 varsity teams with 811 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
811
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
45% / 55%
361
Men
450
Women
6
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Iowaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,762
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$32K
543 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$60K
391 grads
1yr Earnings
Behavioral Sciences
—
327 grads
Marketing
$53K
301 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
229 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $56K at eight, and $65K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Iowa
What is the acceptance rate at University of Iowa?▾
How much does University of Iowa cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Iowa?▾
How much do University of Iowa graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.