Overview
Upper Iowa University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Fayette, Iowa. The school accepts 54.2% of applicants and enrolls 2,021 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 54.2%
- Average SAT
- 970
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 890–1,050
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 2,021
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Upper Iowa University operates on rolling admissions, so apply early to secure your spot and maximize financial aid opportunities. The admissions process emphasizes your complete academic record rather than test scores alone, making your high school transcript and course selection particularly important.
Your personal statement should highlight connections to small-town values or rural communities, as UIU's Fayette campus sits in a town of just 1,200 people. Write about experiences that show you can thrive in close-knit environments where professors know your name and classmates become lifelong connections. Mention specific UIU programs like the Self-Designed Major option, which lets you create your own interdisciplinary degree path.
The nursing program requires separate application materials and earlier deadlines, so check those requirements if you're interested in healthcare. UIU's nursing students gain hands-on experience at nearby hospitals and clinical sites throughout northeast Iowa. Similarly, the public administration program connects directly with local government internships and the university's own administrative operations.
Campus life revolves around athletics and residence hall communities. UIU competes in NCAA Division II, and student-athletes make up a significant portion of the student body. Even if you don't plan to compete, mention any sports background or interest in supporting Peacock athletics. The residence halls are mandatory for first-year students and become the center of social life.
UIU's distance learning program serves working adults and military personnel, but traditional students on the Fayette campus experience a different environment entirely. You'll find small class sizes where participation matters and professors who expect you to contribute regularly. This isn't a place to blend into the background.
Financial aid applications should be submitted immediately after your admission application. UIU offers institutional scholarships based on academic performance and campus involvement. Iowa residents receive additional state grant opportunities, making the university particularly affordable for in-state students.
Don't overlook UIU's business programs, which benefit from the university's partnerships with regional employers. The marketing and accounting programs place graduates throughout the upper Midwest, particularly in small to medium-sized businesses that prefer UIU's practical, hands-on approach to business education.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $23,172/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $19,000
- Students Receiving Aid
- 33%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,766/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 59.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Upper Iowa University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Upper Iowa University accepts both SAT and ACT scores but does not require standardized test scores for admission. Students can submit scores if they feel it strengthens their application.
What is the application deadline for Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Students should apply early for the best chance of acceptance and financial aid consideration.
How many credits can transfer students bring to Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at UIU to earn a degree from the university.
What GPA do you need to get into Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The university reviews applications individually and considers factors beyond just grades when making admission decisions.