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University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA·Public·21,691 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $62,000 within 10 years.

85%
Accept
21,691
Students
$21,398
Net Price
73%
Grad Rate
$62,000
Earnings
10 yr
$18,207
Debt

About This School

University of Iowa is a public institution located in Iowa City, Iowa with approximately 21,691 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Iowa has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,398 per year. The graduation rate is 73%, and the typical graduate earns $62,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest and largest university in the state. The University of Iowa is organized into 12 colleges offering more than 200 areas of study and 7 professional degrees.

Founded in 1847, this large public research university offers solid value — median debt at graduation is just $18,207, well below average, and graduates earn a median of $62,000 ten years out, making the $21,398 average annual net price look reasonable. Worth considering if you're drawn to a true Big Ten research environment with 200+ areas of study, particularly if you're interested in writing (the Iowa Writers' Workshop is genuinely prestigious). The 73% graduation rate is a mild concern — it suggests roughly 1 in 4 students don't finish, so it's worth asking how support resources match your academic needs.

Founded
1847
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Engineering8%
Health Professions8%
Social Sciences7%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Education3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tennessee WilliamsGene WilderAshton KutcherAlbert BanduraJohn IrvingFlannery O'ConnorGayatri Chakravorty SpivakJames A. Van AllenJim Yong KimMichael CunninghamJean SebergMarilynne Robinson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1220
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile660

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,964
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,927
Avg Net Price
$21,398
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$18,207

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
73%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
89%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$62,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,207
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,207
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$62,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White75%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (21,691 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Iowa

101 Jessup Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242-1316

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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