University of Iowa is a public university in Iowa City, IA with 32,773 students. With a 84.7% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Parks/Recreation, and Multidisciplinary. Graduates earn a median of $64,762 ten years after enrollment.
University of Iowa accepts 84.7% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
Your Profile
University of Iowa Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
University of Iowa True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at U Iowa. Families earning $0-30k pay around $15,316 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $26,266. 18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating U Iowa enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $22,500, which is reasonable against the $52,696 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$15,316
$61,264
$30-48k
$15,489
$61,956
$48-75k
$19,930
$79,720
$75-110k
$23,811
$95,244
$110k+
$26,266
$105,064
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$12,616
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,596
Popular Majors at University of Iowa
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
24.1%
Parks/Recreation
10.2%
Multidisciplinary
9.1%
Social Sciences
7.8%
Engineering
7.5%
Health Professions
7.1%
Visual/Performing Arts
4.7%
Communication
4.4%
Biological Sciences
4.1%
Education
4.0%
English/Literature
3.6%
Liberal Arts
3.3%
Computer Science
2.3%
Student Demographics
White
74.0%
Black/African American
3.2%
Hispanic/Latino
8.8%
Asian
4.9%
International
2.1%
How to Get Into University of Iowa
U Iowa is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — U Iowa still offers strong programs and outcomes. Graduates earn $64,762 within 10 years, making it a solid return on investment.
1225
Target SAT Score
25
Target ACT Score
84.7%
Acceptance Rate
25,682
Total Applicants
What University of Iowa Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Considered
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Considered
Talent Ability
Considered
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Not Considered
Volunteer Work
Not Considered
University of Iowa Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the University of Iowa Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Regular Decision
Rolling
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Rolling Admissions: University of Iowa reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
18.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$52,696
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Iowa
What is U Iowa's acceptance rate?
U Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84.7%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for U Iowa?
The middle 50% SAT range at U Iowa is 1130-1320. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 22-28. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at U Iowa?
The most popular majors at U Iowa by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (24.1%), Parks/Recreation (10.2%), Multidisciplinary (9.1%), Social Sciences (7.8%), Engineering (7.5%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do U Iowa graduates earn?
U Iowa graduates earn a median salary of $64,762 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is U Iowa worth the cost?
With median earnings of $64,762 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $22,500, The earning potential is favorable relative to debt, though ROI depends heavily on your chosen major. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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