About Upper Iowa University
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $23,172 after aid, which keeps costs manageable for most families. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,766 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $25,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a reasonable burden for most graduates. Only about 9% of students receive institutional grants, but those who do get substantial aid averaging $23,481.
UIU's Peacocks compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, with 397 student-athletes receiving $2.6 million in athletic scholarships. The diverse student body draws from across the country, with only 23% coming from Iowa. Nearly 60% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and the employment rate of 95.5% suggests graduates find work quickly after college.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.5%
- Retention Rate
- 59.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,766
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,781 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $53,984 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,294 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,054 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,768 |
Campus Life
With 2,021 students and a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize faces across campus but still find new people to meet. Weekend life revolves around Peacock athletics, with 397 student-athletes competing in 15 NCAA Division II sports that draw decent crowds. The Great Lakes Valley Conference brings regional rivals to town several times each semester. Greek life and student organizations fill the social calendar, though many students head home on weekends since 77% come from outside Iowa. The semester system allows for winter and summer breaks that align with most schools, giving students time to escape the rural setting when cabin fever hits.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 752 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1857
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–24°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 39.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.5%
- Women
- 57.6%
- White
- 61.3%
- Black
- 16.5%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 23.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.5%
Location
- Address
- Fayette, Iowa 52142-1857
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,766
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,614
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University accepts 54.23% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 970, reflecting the school's focus on providing opportunities for students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Upper Iowa University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,172 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay $27,503 while those from higher-income families pay up to $25,690, showing the university's commitment to making education accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Upper Iowa University?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 22:1, which is higher than many small colleges but still allows for personalized attention. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Upper Iowa University?
The six-year graduation rate is 41.50%, and graduates earn a median salary of $52,766 ten years after enrollment. With a 95.5% employment rate, the university demonstrates strong connections to regional employers and career placement success.
Where is Upper Iowa University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in rural Fayette, Iowa, with on-campus housing for 752 students out of 2,021 total enrollment. The small-town setting creates a tight-knit community atmosphere, enhanced by the Peacocks' 15 NCAA Division II sports teams.
Does Upper Iowa University offer athletic scholarships?
The university awards $2,598,456 in athletic scholarships across 397 student-athletes competing in 15 varsity sports. As a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, Upper Iowa provides competitive Division II athletics alongside academic programs designed for working adults and traditional students.
