← All Colleges

How to Get Into University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

University of Iowa Admissions Statistics

84%
Acceptance Rate
570-670
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
560-660
SAT Math (mid 50%)
21-28
ACT (mid 50%)
22,264
Undergrads
75%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into University of Iowa

The bar here is clear

University of Iowa admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1130-1330 combined SAT or 21-28 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Test policy here is "Required for some programs", check the fine print for your specific program.

Use the Early Action round deliberately

University of Iowa offers Early Action: non-binding and worth taking if your application is ready, an earlier answer helps you calibrate the rest of your list, and EA carries no downside beyond the earlier deadline.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where University of Iowa fits.

University of Iowa Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Action (EA) November 1, 2025
Regular Decision (RD) February 1, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $55
Test scores Required for some programs
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required

University of Iowa Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $28,596
Tuition & fees (in-state / out-of-state) $11,283 / $33,371
Room & board (on campus) $12,920
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $22,531

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $15,316
$30-48k $15,489
$48-75k $19,930
$75-110k $23,811
$110k+ $26,266
18.4%
Students receiving Pell Grants
42%
Students taking federal loans
90%
Freshman retention rate
16:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use University of Iowa's Official Net Price Calculator →

More University of Iowa Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for University of Iowa:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at University of Iowa, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into University of Iowa, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon University of Iowa's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships University of Iowa students actually win

Similar Schools