University of Iowa
Overview
The University of Iowa (UI) is a public research university founded in 1847, making it the oldest university in Iowa. It is the flagship institution of the Iowa Board of Regents system and a member of the Big Ten Conference.
The university is recognized for its academic programs in medicine, law, business, creative writing, engineering, and the arts. The Iowa Writers' Workshop, housed at the university, is among the most recognized graduate creative writing programs in the United States.
The university operates an extensive hospital system — University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics — which serves as a major teaching and research medical center for the state.
Location
Primary Campus: Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a college town located in eastern Iowa. The main campus is situated along the Iowa River and is closely integrated with the surrounding city. Medical campus facilities are adjacent to the main campus.
Iowa City is approximately 30 miles from Cedar Rapids and within reasonable driving distance of Des Moines, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Degrees & Academic Programs
The University of Iowa offers programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree levels through multiple colleges and schools:
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Tippie College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Law
- Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
- College of Nursing
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Public Health
- College of Dentistry
Degree levels offered include bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees (MD, JD, PharmD). Specific program availability should be confirmed directly with the university.
Admissions Information
Admission requirements vary by program and degree level. The university evaluates applications based on academic performance, standardized test scores (where required), and other criteria established by individual programs.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless they meet waiver criteria established by the university.
Official Admissions: admissions.uiowa.edu
Tuition & Fees
As a public institution, the University of Iowa charges different tuition rates for in-state residents and out-of-state/international students. The following are approximate annual ranges based on publicly available information:
In-State Undergraduate (annual): Approximately $8,000 - $10,000
Out-of-State / International Undergraduate (annual): Approximately $30,000 - $36,000
Graduate (varies by program): Approximately $8,000 - $36,000+
Tuition and fees change annually. Students must verify current rates directly with the university. Tuition & Fees Office
Scholarships & Financial Aid
The University of Iowa offers a range of financial aid options including merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study, and student loans. Graduate students may have access to teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships, which often include tuition remission and stipends.
International undergraduate students may have limited access to institutional aid. Graduate funding availability varies by department and program.
Financial Aid Office: financialaid.uiowa.edu
International Students
The University of Iowa enrolls international students from numerous countries. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) provides visa support, immigration advising, orientation programs, and cultural adjustment resources.
English language proficiency is required for admission unless specific waiver criteria are met. The university offers English as a Second Language support programs.
International Students and Scholars Office: international.uiowa.edu
Accreditation
The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Individual professional programs hold additional specialized accreditations from relevant bodies.
Accreditation details: University of Iowa Accreditation
Official Website: www.uiowa.edu
Information on this page is compiled from publicly available sources and is provided for general reference only. Tuition, programs, and admission requirements change periodically. Students must verify all details directly with the University of Iowa before making any decisions.
Last reviewed: January 2026