University of Iowa
Iowa: Innovate, Impact, Inspire.
📍 Iowa City, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #93 in United States · QS World #530 · THE World #201 · ARWU #301
Quick Facts about University of Iowa
- Type: Public
- Students: 30,042
- International: 1%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $34,390 – $38,147/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Intakes: January, August
About University of Iowa
Academics
The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across its various colleges, including the Tippie College of Business, the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, and the Colleges of Education, Engineering, Law, Nursing, and Pharmacy. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach and has identified "Writing and Communication," "Brain Science and Mental Health," and "Cancer Research and Patient Care" as distinctive collaborative opportunities for strategic investment and growth. Iowa was the first U.S. public university to accept creative work in theater, writing, music, and art as theses for advanced degrees, and its graduate programs in audiology, printmaking, creative writing, speech-language pathology, and nursing service administration are highly ranked.
International Students
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Iowa provides extensive support to international students, including assistance with immigration issues, cultural adjustment, and intercultural programming. While specific diversity statistics vary, international students contribute to a globally diverse campus community, with a significant number coming from countries like China, South Korea, and India. The university fosters cultural integration through various student organizations such as the Organization for the Active Support of International Students (OASIS), which aims to create a welcoming environment and bridge the gap between international and domestic students. English-taught programs are available across a wide range of disciplines, and resources like the International Women's Club offer activities to promote intercultural friendships.
Campus & Location
The University of Iowa's campus is situated in Iowa City, a vibrant area offering a mix of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options. The city boasts a lively downtown, known as the Pedestrian Mall, which is a hub for music, entertainment, and local shops. On campus, attractions include the Old Capitol Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Stanley Museum of Art. Transportation around campus is facilitated by CAMBUS, a free, student-operated bus system, and Iowa City Transit provides free service throughout the city. For travel to and from the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), an airport shuttle service is available.
Career Outcomes
The University of Iowa demonstrates strong career outcomes, with a high placement rate of 96% for graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The Pomerantz Career Center offers comprehensive career services, connecting students with a wide range of employers from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and non-profit organizations. The university also fosters a strong startup culture, with initiatives like the Startup Incubator, which provides resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for student entrepreneurs. UI Ventures further supports research-based startups by offering access to talent, industry expertise, and funding.
Information for International Students at University of Iowa
University of Iowa in Iowa City, United States welcomes international students, with 1% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 1% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$833/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for University of Iowa
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Iowa:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- Duolingo minimum: 110
- GPA minimum: 3
- Application fee: $80
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: February 2
Programs at University of Iowa (22 programs)
University of Iowa offers 22 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (7)
- Accounting (BBA) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr
This program provides students with a strong foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation, preparing them for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, or government.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Auditor, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst - Music (BM) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr
Students pursue intensive study in performance, composition, music education, or musicology, developing their musical artistry and theoretical understanding through rigorous training and practice.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer, Arts Administrator - Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr · STEM
This program prepares students for professional nursing practice, emphasizing patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice in various healthcare settings.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner (with further education), Clinical Nurse Specialist - Finance (BBA) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr
Students gain expertise in financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial institutions, preparing them for roles in banking, wealth management, or corporate finance.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Wealth Advisor - Journalism and Mass Communication (BA) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr
This program prepares students for careers in journalism, public relations, advertising, and media production, emphasizing ethical communication and digital storytelling.
Field: Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, Media Producer - Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr
This program examines social structures, human behavior in groups, and societal issues, fostering critical thinking about inequality, culture, and social change.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker (with further education), Policy Analyst, Community Organizer - Mechanical Engineering (BS) — 48 months · English · $10,964/yr · STEM
This program covers the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Research and Development Engineer
Master Programs (7)
- Business Administration (MBA) — 21 months · English · $30,000/yr
The MBA program develops leadership and management skills through a comprehensive curriculum covering finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Consultant, Marketing Manager, Financial Manager, Operations Manager - Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English · $12,000/yr · STEM
Students gain expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy, focusing on preventing disease and promoting health in populations.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Analyst, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Policy Advisor - Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr
The MSW program prepares students for advanced social work practice, focusing on direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, as well as community organization and policy advocacy.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Social Worker, Program Manager, Advocate - Law (LLM) — 12 months · English · $35,000/yr
The LL.M. program offers advanced legal education for international lawyers and those seeking specialized knowledge in specific areas of U.S. law, such as business law, human rights, or environmental law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Legal Counsel, International Lawyer, Policy Advisor - Computer Science (MS) — 24 months · English · $12,000/yr · STEM
This advanced program offers specialized study in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and software engineering, preparing students for research or advanced industry roles.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Research Scientist - Creative Writing (MFA) — 24 months · English · $12,000/yr
The renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop offers intensive study in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, fostering the development of original literary works.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Author, Editor, Educator, Journalist - Economics (MA) — 24 months · English · $12,000/yr · STEM
This program provides rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics, preparing students for careers in research, government, or the private sector.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Economist, Data Analyst, Policy Analyst, Researcher
PhD Programs (7)
- Physics (PhD) — 60 months · English · $12,000/yr · STEM
This program offers advanced study and research opportunities in areas such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, and plasma physics.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Data Scientist - Education (PhD) — 60 months · English · $12,000/yr
Doctoral students conduct advanced research in educational theory, policy, and practice, specializing in areas such as curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, or higher education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, School Administrator, Policy Advisor - Biomedical Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · $12,000/yr · STEM
This program focuses on advanced research at the intersection of engineering and medicine, developing innovative solutions for healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary study.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Biomedical Researcher, University Professor, Medical Device Engineer - History (PhD) — 60 months · English · $12,000/yr
Doctoral candidates engage in rigorous historical research, developing expertise in specific historical periods and regions, and contributing original scholarship to the field.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: University Professor, Archivist, Museum Curator, Historian - Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · $30,000/yr · STEM
This program offers advanced research opportunities in areas such as microelectronics, power systems, signal processing, and computer architecture, pushing the boundaries of electrical and computer technologies.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: University Professor, R&D Engineer, Hardware Architect - Pharmacology (PhD) — 60 months · English · $30,000/yr · STEM
Students conduct in-depth research into the mechanisms of drug action, drug discovery, and toxicology, contributing to the development of new therapeutics and understanding disease processes.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Pharmaceutical Researcher, Toxicologist, University Professor - Political Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · $12,000/yr
Students conduct in-depth research on political institutions, behavior, and theory, specializing in areas like American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Policy Analyst, Government Official, Researcher
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Iowa
Annual tuition for international students: $34,390 – $38,147/year
✅ University of Iowa offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Iowa
- National Ranking: #93 in United States
- QS World University Ranking: #530
- Times Higher Education (THE): #201
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #301
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at University of Iowa
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$833/month
Key Highlights
- Pioneering creative writing programs
- Strong healthcare and law programs
- Distinguished public research university
- Supports diverse international community
- First to accept creative work theses
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Notable Alumni
- Ashton Kutcher
- Gene Wilder
- Tennessee Williams
- Tom Brokaw
- Caitlin Clark
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Iowa
What is University of Iowa?
University of Iowa is a public university located in Iowa City, United States. It has approximately 30,042 students, with 1% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Iowa?
Tuition fees at University of Iowa for international students range from $34,390 – $38,147/year. Student housing costs approximately $833/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Iowa?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 110. GPA minimum: 3. Application fee: $80. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: February 2.
What language are courses taught in at University of Iowa?
Courses at University of Iowa are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does University of Iowa offer?
University of Iowa offers 22 programs: 7 Bachelor's, 7 Master's, and 7 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Iowa ranked?
#93 in United States · QS World #530 · THE World #201 · ARWU #301.
Does University of Iowa offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Iowa offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Iowa provide visa support?
Yes, University of Iowa provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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