About theUniversity of Iowa

The University of Iowa (also known as the UI, U of I, or simply Iowa) is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Founded in 1847, Iowa is the oldest university in the state. The University of Iowa is the flagship university for the state of Iowa. The University of Iowa is organized into eleven colleges offering more than 200 areas of study and seven professional degrees.

The Iowa campus spans 1,700 acres centered along the banks of the Iowa River and includes the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, named one of "America’s Best Hospitals" for the 25th year in a row. The university was the original developer of the Master of Fine Arts degree and it operates the world-renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Iowa has very high research activity, and is a member of several research coalitions, including the prestigious Association of American Universities, the Universities Research Association, and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation. The Iowa alumni network exceeds 250,000,and the university budgeted revenues and expenses of $3.513 billion for 2015.

The University of Iowa's athletic teams, the Hawkeyes, compete in Division I of the NCAA and are members of theBig Ten Conference. The Hawkeyes field 24 varsity teams and have won 27 national championships.

• Carver College of Medicine

  The Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine is a highly ranked medical school where students learn to become accomplished clinicians and top-flight researchers and educators. Students come to Iowa to study medicine in a program that uses case-based learning as the basis of their education. With its emphasis on problem-solving skills, early exposure to patients, and enhanced community-based experiences, UI medical students typically earn impressive scores on Step 1 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination and successfully “match” with top-quality residency programs around the country.The College is part of University of Iowa Health Care—a fully integrated academic medical center, which also includes the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and University of Iowa Physicians, the largest multi-specialty group practice in Iowa. As the state’s only comprehensive academic medical center, UI Health Care is committed to world-class patient care, biomedical research, and medical education.

• College of Dentistry

  For more than 125 years, the College of Dentistry has been an integral part of The University of Iowa and a resource to the state of Iowa. The great majority of Iowa dentists are alumni of the College of Dentistry.The College of Dentistry is committed to the University’s core values:  Excellence – Learning – Community – Diversity – Integrity – Respect – Responsibility.

• College of Education

  As Iowa’s first public institution of higher education, the College traces its roots to the Univer­sity of Iowa’s founding in 1847. Today, the College is much more than teacher education. The graduates go on to become leaders in educational administration, counseling, psychology, student development, higher education, measurement and testing, and more. As part of a Big Ten research institution, we are proud to offer a personal, affordable, and top-ranked education for undergraduate and graduate students who want to collaborate with renowned faculty to solve problems and effect change in the field of education. Students of the college, which include a growing number of graduate students and those enrolling in distance learning, come from all 50 states and 74 countries.

• College of Law

  The most successful and effective lawyers are true counselors, offering clients incisive analysis, clear-eyed yet compassionate understanding, and creative problem solving. The world needs more lawyers who embrace the role of counselor, and at Iowa Law, we offer the best possible environment for producing them.The University of Iowa College of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

  In almost 50 departments and programs--spanning the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences UI College of Liberal Arts & Sciences students develop expertise in their majors while learning the fundamentals that today's job market and graduate schools demand: superior communication, critical-thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. Thre faculty are innovative teachers and world-class researchers who transform their disciplines and guide students toward prosperous careers and fulfilling lives.Graduate students go on to become tomorrow's academic leaders. And our committed staff keep the wheels turning. Together, we serve our state and shape our world.

• College of Nursing

  Renowned faculty, advanced clinical experiences and a tradition of innovative leadership have led to the University of IowaCollege of Nursing’s ranking as one of the best nursing programs in the nation. The graduates are sought after as highly skilled professionals who have received a rigorous education of the highest quality.Established in 1898, the UI College of Nursing actively supports the recognition of nursing as a profession of leaders, scientists and researchers.

• College of Pharmacy

  The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, ranked 17th in the nation, has a long history of innovation in pharmacy education, research, and service.The core mission of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy is to educate future pharmacists and to conduct research to advance health care

• College of Public Health

  The founding of the College of Public Health blended new initiatives with long-established programs at The University of Iowa. The college’s roots originate in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health and the Graduate Program in Hospital and Health Administration, both formerly based in the UI College of Medicine. On July 1, 1999, these units were transitioned into the new College of Public Health. Today the college is composed of five departments: biostatistics, community and behavioral health, epidemiology, health management and policy, and occupational and environmental health.

• Tippie College of Business

  The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa develops business leaders and scholars through a comprehensive and high-quality educational experience that is based on the core values of integrity, innovation, and impact.The programs of the University of Iowa's Henry B. Tippie College of Business are built on the principles ofintegrity, innovation, and impact. These three words describe and inspire what we do here at Iowa. It's what we call The Power of I.

• College of Engineering

  The College of Engineering is one of 11 colleges at the University of Iowa. With educational courses dating back more than 100 years, the College today has an enrollment of more than 2,400 students – 2,100 of whom are undergraduates. About 40% of our undergraduate enrollment comes from the state of Iowa, with another 60% attending from other states and countries. The College teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in biomedical,chemical and biochemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, industrial, andmechanical engineering. All undergraduate BSE programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

History of the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa was founded on February 25, 1847, 59 days after Iowa became a state. The first faculty offered instruction at the university in March 1855 to students in the Old Mechanics Building, situated where Seashore Hall is now. In September 1855, the student body numbered 124, of which 41 were women. The 1856-57 catalogue listed nine departments offering Ancient Language, Modern Language, Intellectual Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, History, Natural History, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, and Chemistry.

The original campus was composed of Old Capitol and the 10 acres of land on which it stood. Following the placing of the cornerstone July 4, 1840, the building housed the Fifth Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa (December 5, 1842) and then became the first capitol of the State of Iowa (December 28, 1846). Until that date it had been the third capitol of the Territory of Iowa. When the capitol of Iowa was moved to Des Moines in 1857, Old Capitol became the first permanent "home" of the university.

Application requirements for University of Iowa include completing the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with the University of Iowa-specific questions. Prospective students must submit official high school transcripts demonstrating completed coursework and academic performance. Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are optional for most applicants, but submission may enhance the application, especially for scholarship consideration. International students are required to provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, unless they meet specific exemption criteria. Applicants must also submit a non-refundable application fee. In addition, some programs may have additional requirements, such as portfolios for art-related majors or auditions for music programs. The university recommends that applicants submit their materials early to meet application deadlines, which vary by program but generally fall between December and February for fall admissions. Once applications are received, admissions decisions are made based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. The university recommends that prospective students review the specific requirements of their intended major on the official website to ensure all necessary materials are submitted. International students are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline to allow sufficient time for visa processing and other arrangements. After acceptance, students must confirm their intent to enroll by submitting a deposit and completing any required orientation or registration procedures. The admissions process is competitive, and successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic records, meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities, and compelling personal statements. The university is committed to fostering a diverse student body and encourages applications from students of all backgrounds.

Accreditation

The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 

Rankings

• #312 - QS World University Rankings
• #36- QS WU Rankings by Subject( Dentistry)
• #169 - QS WU Rankings by Faculty ( Life Science and Medcine)
• #34 among the nation's 629 public universities and #82 among all 2,474 American four-year universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2016 edition)
• #1 writing programs in fiction and poetry (Iowa Writers' Workshop) and nonfiction (Nonfiction Writing Program) (Poets & Writers)
• Ranked #128 on "Best Global Universities" list (U.S. News & World Report Global Rankings, 2016)
• Ranked among the top 250 world universities (Times Higher Education, 2016)
• 24 graduate programs ranked among the top 25 in the nation (U.S. News and World Report, 2016):

Estimated Costs of Attendance

* Tuition varies for students in these areas of study:
Detailed tuition and fee information

• Business students pay $9,519 for residents ($29,659 for nonresidents); third- and fourth-year business students pay $10,859 for residents ($31,177 for nonresidents).
• Engineering students pay $8,547 for residents ($28,635 for nonresidents); second-year engineering students pay $9,617 ($29,769 for nonresidents); third- and fourth-year engineering students pay $10,757 for residents ($31,129 for nonresidents).
• Medicine undergraduates pay $8,139 for residents ($28,227 for nonresidents).
• Nursing students pay $10,703 for residents ($30,961 for nonresidents).
• Pharmacy students pay $23,970 for residents ($43,300 for nonresidents).

** Based on a double room with a meal plan.

The University of Iowa offers a wide range of facilities and services to support student life beyond lectures and seminars. Students have access to extensive library services, including multiple campus libraries equipped with study areas, digital resources, and research support. The University provides health services through its Student Health and Wellness Center, offering medical, mental health, counseling, and wellness programs designed to promote overall student well-being. Childcare services are available for students with families, ensuring that students can balance academic responsibilities with family life. The campus hosts numerous recreational and sports facilities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, athletic fields, and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Students can participate in various student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities facilitated through the Student Involvement and Leadership office, fostering community engagement and personal development. The university’s career development center offers career counseling, resume workshops, internship placement, and job fairs to assist students in their professional growth. On-campus dining options provide diverse culinary choices, including cafeterias, cafes, and vending services. The university also features housing facilities, including residence halls and apartment complexes, for undergraduate and graduate students. Support services include academic advising, tutoring centers, and writing labs to aid student academic success. Additionally, the university provides various cultural, artistic, and performance venues to enhance campus life. Security services, including campus police and safety programs, ensure a safe environment. Technological resources such as computer labs, free Wi-Fi access across the campus, and online learning platforms support students' educational needs. Counseling and psychological services are available to promote mental health, and disability support services ensure accommodations for students with disabilities. The university’s sustainability initiatives include bike-sharing programs, recycling services, and eco-friendly facilities to promote environmental responsibility. These facilities and services demonstrate the university’s commitment to providing a comprehensive support system, fostering an enriching and supportive environment for all students during their academic journey.

The University of Iowa offers a unique combination of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and a strong commitment to research and community engagement. Renowned for its prestigious programs in writing, medicine, and law, it provides students with unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. The university's diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs ensures that students can find a path that aligns with their interests and career goals. The Iowa Writers' Workshop is internationally acclaimed, fostering a creative environment that attracts aspiring writers from around the globe. Additionally, the University of Iowa emphasizes experiential learning, offering numerous internships, research projects, and service-learning opportunities that prepare students for real-world challenges. The campus itself is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and surrounded by scenic parks, creating an inspiring setting for study and innovation. The university also prioritizes inclusivity and community involvement, encouraging students to participate in various organizations, cultural events, and volunteer activities. Strong support services, a dedicated faculty, and a collaborative atmosphere enhance student success and personal development. The university’s location in Iowa City provides a safe, inviting environment with a rich literary and cultural scene, fostering creativity and intellectual engagement. Committed to affordability, the University of Iowa offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options, making quality education accessible. Overall, choosing the University of Iowa means joining a community dedicated to academic rigor, research excellence, and shaping future leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions locally and globally.