University of Iowa
University of Iowa is a public university in Iowa City, IA ranked #275 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 22,264 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 83.6%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.
Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 90.4% first-year retention, and 74.6% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $22,531, about $5,533 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -41.5%, roughly 126.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,696. That's about $9,008 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Iowa Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Iowa graduates 74.6% of students within six years and keeps 90.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Iowa's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,283 |
| Books and Supplies | $950 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,920 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,066 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,596 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.4% of University of Iowa students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,316 to $26,266 depending on family income. Use University of Iowa's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,811/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,266/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,696
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,696
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,207
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.0%
- Employment Rate 93.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Iowa graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Iowa vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Iowa's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Iowa's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Iowa graduates earn $52,696 median, the -41.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-670
- SAT Math 560-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 22,264
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 90.4%
- Graduation Rate 74.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into University of Iowa
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Iowa requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 83.6%, University of Iowa is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 83.6% acceptance rate, University of Iowa is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1330 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Iowa undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Finance and Financial Management Services, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.4%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 6.6%
- Psychology, General 4.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.1%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 3.8%
- Marketing 3.8%
See more majors
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $110,672
- 2. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $96,419
- 3. Insurance $95,685
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Industrial Engineering $94,141
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $90,952
- 6. Chemical Engineering $90,804
- 7. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $89,577
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $89,537
- 9. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $87,656
- 10. Computer and Information Sciences, General $87,019
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $219,004
- 2. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $199,999
- 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $178,334
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $165,250
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $145,651
- 6. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $139,178
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $135,774
- 8. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $115,313
- 9. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $114,159
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $112,651
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $110,672—27% more than Computer and Information Sciences, General ($87,019). Graduate: Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs lead with $219,004 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Iowa. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 410 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 273 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 239 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 235 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 203 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (66 programs)â–¼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Journalism
- Human Resources Management and Services
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Criminology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Statistics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Civil Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Public Health
- Music
- Computer Engineering
- Sociology
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- International/Global Studies
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Area Studies
- Physics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Dance
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Systems Science and Theory
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Engineering, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Data Science
- Computer Science
Online Master's Degrees (70 programs)â–¼
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Accounting and Related Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Music
- Civil Engineering
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Sustainability Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Industrial Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Dance
- Biology, General
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Public Administration
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Economics
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Doctoral Degrees (66 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Music
- Chemistry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Genetics
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Industrial Engineering
- Economics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Journalism
- History
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Area Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Philosophy
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Social Work
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Engineering, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (36 programs)â–¼
- Sustainability Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Insurance
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- International Business
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Journalism
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Area Studies
- Social Work
- Engineering, General
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Social Sciences, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Engineering, Other
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Cognitive Science
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
- Library Science and Administration
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Medicine
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Dentistry
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 22,264
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.4%
- Female Students 56.6%
- Caucasian 74.4%
- Asian 4.4%
- Hispanic 8.9%
- Black 2.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Iowa's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Iowa's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Iowa support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Iowa, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 18.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Iowa support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Iowa, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Iowa serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #275 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $22,531 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $52,696 median earnings. The 74.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 90.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Iowa's Strengths
Ranked #275 with a A- grade, University of Iowa prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Iowa excel at providing affordable education ($22,531 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Iowa's 90.4% retention and 74.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($52,696 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Iowa and $22,531 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 74.6% six-year graduation rate sits 12.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.4% first-year retention is 13.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -41.5% return on investment is 126.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,696 run about 21% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,531 is roughly $2,514 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.4% employment rate within three years sits 25.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,531 is about $2,514 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.4% trails the national share by 15.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Iowa City, IA, University of Iowa operates as a public university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It stands at #275 among 1942 schools Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 90.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 74.6% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -41.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,531 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,596.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,065 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,207 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $52,696 at the median. This is roughly 21% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 93.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -41.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
83.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Iowa admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
- Website uiowa.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$3.26B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.5%