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Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA·Private nonprofit·2,021 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 2,021 students.

93%
Accept
2,021
Students
$23,172
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$45,500
Earnings
10 yr
$18,000
Debt

About This School

Upper Iowa University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fayette, Iowa with approximately 2,021 undergraduate students enrolled. Upper Iowa University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 93%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,172 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $45,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university in Fayette, Iowa, United States. It enrolls around 3,000 students and offers distance education programs that include centers in the U.S., an online program, an independent study program, and formerly had centers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 41% graduation rate and 59% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a real red flag worth discussing before enrolling. On the plus side, median debt at graduation is a relatively manageable $18,000, and the school's flexible distance education options make it a practical choice for working adults or non-traditional students who need that kind of accessibility. If you're a traditional 18-year-old expecting a typical campus experience in Fayette, look carefully at why so many students leave — but if you need flexibility and affordability, it may fit your situation.

Founded
1857
Setting
Remote rural

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing36%
Psychology13%
Health Professions10%
Social Sciences9%
Education7%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Biological Sciences2%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John MottKim ReynoldsWilliam F. Albright

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite929
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$19,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,000
Avg Net Price
$23,172
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$18,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
59%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White61%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,021 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Upper Iowa University

605 Washington St

Fayette, IA 52142-1857

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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