Quick Summary
University of Iowa is a public research university founded in 1847, located in Iowa City, United States. Ranked #464 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 31452 students including 7% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Nursing, Communication, Dentistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 86%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Top-tier creative writing and health science programs, a vibrant Big Ten campus culture, and being situated in a UNESCO City of Literature.
Subject Strengths
NursingCommunicationDentistryPharmacyEducationEnglish Language and Literature
Founded1847
TypePublic Research University
Total Students31452
Intl Students7%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusUrban
Campus Size1880 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUniversity of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#464
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral
Programs
100
PhD Programs
Iowa Distance and Online Education
Online Programs
Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research,Iowa Writers' Workshop,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center,Public Policy Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate86%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional for many programs
GMATRequired for some MBA tracks
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply early for scholarship consideration; emphasize your unique voice in the personal statement, especially for the Iowa Writers' Workshop programs.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$32,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$15,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$31,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$40
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$48,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailablePresidential Scholarship,Old Gold Scholarship,International Student Scholarships,Advantage Iowa
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Nursing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Speech-Language Pathology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections via Pomerantz Career Center
Industry Connections
Collins AerospacePrincipal Financial GroupJohn DeereUniversity of Iowa Health Care
Notable Alumni
Tennessee Williams,Ashton Kutcher,Flannery O'Connor,Gene Wilder,George Gallup
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Kinnick Stadium,Carver-Hawkeye Arena,Campus Recreation & Wellness Center
Student Clubs
500
Library Resources
Main Library,Hardin Library for Health Sciences,Lichtenberger Engineering Library,Special Collections
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available