PublicUrbanUniversity of Iowa
Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
University of Iowa is a public institution in Iowa City with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1220, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 21.7K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
73% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,762 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,398.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Hawkeyes
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founding and early history Iowa Old Capitol Building, Iowa City, 1855 The University of Iowa was founded on February 25, 1847, just 59 days after Iowa was admitted to the Union.
- •The Constitution of the State of Iowa refers to a State University to be established in Iowa City "without branches at any other place.
- •The first faculty offered instruction at the university beginning in March 1855 to students in the Old Mechanics Building, located where the student recreational area east of Van Allen Hall is now.
- •In September 1855, there were 124 students, of whom forty-one were women.
- •The first president of the university was Amos Dean.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1220
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
58.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$18,207
Programs (333)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
89%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
164
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IA state average + city premium