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University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa · Public · 22,264 undergrads

University of Iowa admits 80% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), is test-optional for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Feb 1, 2027.

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Can I get into University of Iowa?

80% of applicants get in

Most applicants with solid grades get in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1130–1320 on the SAT.

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Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

31,454 applied, 25,131 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does University of Iowa cost?

$22,508 a year in-state

Out of state: about $44,596 a year

What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $29,219.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$15,353
$30,000–$48,000$15,374
$48,000–$75,000$17,179
$75,000–$110,000$22,278
over $110,000$26,721

Out-of-state tuition is $33,710 a year, against $11,622 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $22,088 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run University of Iowa's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does University of Iowa need the SAT or ACT?Optional

No.

Test-optional for fall 2027. 19% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1230 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admissions.uiowa.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

22,264
undergrads. Big, with lots of choices and some big lectures.
City
Campus setting in Iowa City, IA.
90%
of first-years come back for year two.
57%
finish in four years. 73% within six.
$70.7k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$21.3k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists University of Iowa is on

Questions people ask

Is University of Iowa test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. University of Iowa is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on admissions.uiowa.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is University of Iowa's acceptance rate?
80% for fall 2025: 25,131 of 31,454 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for University of Iowa?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1130 to 1320 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does University of Iowa cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $17,179 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $29,219.
How much does University of Iowa cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at University of Iowa is $33,710 a year, against $11,622 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $22,508 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $22,088 tuition gap gives about $44,596 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
When is the University of Iowa application deadline for fall 2027?
Early action closed Nov 2, 2026. Regular decision is due Feb 1, 2027. Checked on admissions.uiowa.edu on Nov 5, 2026.