University of Iowa admitted 80% of applicants for fall 2025 (25,131 of 31,454, Common Data Set 2025-26). University of Iowa is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1130–1320.
The numbers
Applied
31,454
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
21–28
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.86
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
22%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$40
waivers exist
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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.
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).
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.
How hard your classes were, GPA, SAT or ACT scores.
Also considered
Class rank, recommendations, talent or ability, character, state residency.
As University of Iowa rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is University of Iowa's acceptance rate?
University of Iowa admitted 80% of applicants for fall 2025 (25,131 of 31,454, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for University of Iowa?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1130–1320. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
