About University of Iowa
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families, with an average net price of $21,398 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,811 annually. Graduates earn a median of $64,762 ten years after leaving, making the typical debt load of $22,500 manageable with monthly payments around $239. The 86% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants get in, though the moderate SAT range of 1130-1340 suggests academic standards remain solid.
The Hawkeyes compete in the Big Ten Conference across 18 varsity sports, bringing major college athletics to this small city setting. With 89% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and a 73% six-year graduation rate, most students find what they're looking for here. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention even at this large research institution.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 87.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.1%
- Retention Rate
- 89.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,762
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $134,155 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $112,215 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $103,913 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $97,071 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,991 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $82,440 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,075 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,351 |
| Public Health. | Master | $69,757 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,657 |
Campus Life
Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack a heavy coat for the long stretch from November through March. The nearby Iowa River provides scenic jogging paths and a popular spot for outdoor activities when weather permits. Students frequent the Pedestrian Mall downtown for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Iowa Writers' Workshop brings acclaimed authors to campus regularly, creating a literary atmosphere unusual for a Big Ten school. With an 89.3% retention rate, most students stick around to experience all four seasons of Hawkeye pride.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 6,553 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1847
Campus Safety (2023)
459 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 106 | 36 | 3 | 4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 29 | 1 | 1 | 39 |
| Rape | 51 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Fondling | 34 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 22 | 0 | 6 | 8 |
| Burglary | 18 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 18 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 16 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Robbery | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Arson | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–30°F
- July Avg
- 65°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 27.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.8%
- Women
- 56.2%
- White
- 74.5%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 9.2%
- Asian
- 4.7%
- In-State Students
- 57.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.8%
Location
- Address
- Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,762
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,310
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Iowa?
University of Iowa accepts 86% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1340 on the SAT. This selective but welcoming admissions process reflects the university's mission as a flagship public research institution.
How much does University of Iowa cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Iowa is $21,398 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,811 on average. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable given the strong earning potential from this Big Ten research university.
What is University of Iowa known for academically?
University of Iowa is world-famous for the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the most strong graduate creative writing program in the United States. The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. This combination of literary excellence and research opportunities has produced notable alumni like Tom Brokaw, Ashton Kutcher, and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors.
What are the job outcomes for University of Iowa graduates?
University of Iowa graduates earn a median salary of $64,762 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.6% employment rate. The 73% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's strong support systems. These outcomes demonstrate the value of a degree from this established research institution with deep alumni networks.
Where is University of Iowa located and what is campus life like?
University of Iowa sits in Iowa City, a classic college town that revolves around the 21,691-student campus. The university houses 6,553 students in residence halls, creating a active on-campus community. As a Big Ten school with 18 varsity sports, Hawkeyes athletics dominate campus culture, especially during football and basketball seasons.
How diverse is the student body at University of Iowa?
University of Iowa enrolls 74.5% white students, with growing Hispanic (9.2%) and Asian (4.7%) populations, though Black students represent just 2.9%. Women make up 56% of the student body across the university's programs. The campus draws 58% of students from Iowa, creating a blend of local and out-of-state perspectives in this Midwestern research university.
