University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is known for a number of reasons, with the most prominent being that the institute is among the exclusive group of "R1 Research Universities" in the United States.

The tag of being an "R1" university is associated with institutions who are known for their high research activity as well as spending big on facilitating these research projects.

As per data curated from the official university website, one in every three UG students are involved in some form of research activity at the institute. Additionally, it also recently, attained a funding of around USD 683.8 million from external sources, highlighting the research-based culture ingrained among the university's community members.

The University of Iowa performs reasonably well as part of National University Rankings, given by some popular ranking publications including Shiksha. UOI secures a rank of #77 as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings, while another major source ranks it among the top 100 institutions in the US, giving it a country-level rank of #98.

Another prominent ranking platform ranks it #251 as part of its own rankings of universities/colleges in the US.

Yes, the University of Iowa offers a number of scholarships to international students, with the sole aim of reducing their financial burden, & ensuring that finances don't become an obstacle in a student's educational journey.

Mentioned below are some popular scholarships offered by UOI to its international students:

The University of Iowa as well as Iowa State University are two well-known institutions in US and good abroad options for students. When it comes to rankings, the Iowa State University ranka #121 in Best National Universities, whereas, the University of Iowa ranks at #98 position in 2025. 

Mentioned below is the comparison between both the universities on the basis of some other parameters that can help you choose the better university for you:

Parameters

Iowa State University

Acceptance Rate

85%

89%

Average GPA

3.0

Annual Tuition Fee

INR 23 L - 48 L

INR 20 L - INR 43 L 

The University of Iowa is one the top 100 institutions in US with the rank:

• #491 in World University Rankings 2024 - QS World University Rankings
• #93 in Best National Universities 2024 - US News and World Report Rankings
• #47 in Top Public Schools 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings
• #110 in Best Value Schools 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings
• #301-350 in World University Rankings 2023 - Times Higher Education (THE)
• #169 in US College Rankings 2022 - Times Higher Education (THE)

All the international students aiming to pursue their higher studies from the University of Iowa can apply to the university in two ways: the University of Iowa Application or the Common Application (fall session only) through UI's official website.

While applying through the University of Iowa Application, the applicants don't necessarily have to complete the online application in one sitting. They may access their application and change their answers as many times as they like by using their email address and password from any computer with Internet access. Students must submit the application electronically once they have answered all required questions. Students must be aware of the proper admission requirements according to their degree and course and choice and submit them while applying. Along with the application, candidates must submit a non-refundable sum of $55 as the application fee. Any application fee can only be paid by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Once the applicant logs in, they will be presented with further instructions about navigating the system and filling out the various applications for admission.

The University of Iowa maintains a global alumni network of over 250,000 graduates. James Van Allen, the world-famous physicist who invented the two radiation belts that circle the earth, is a notable alumnus of the University of Iowa. Other names in the list of distinguished alumni are B. J. Armstrong (Former Footballer), Mildred Wirt Benson (Nancy Drew Collection's Author), Terry Branstad (American Politician), John W. Irving (Novelist), Al Jarreau (Jazz Performer), Ashton Kutcher (Actor), Max A. Collins (Author), Flannery O'Connor (Novelist), Gene Wilder (Actor), Juanita Kidd Stout (Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice) and Richard W. Maibaum (Producer and Screenwriter).

The University of Iowa offers a variety of job opportunities for graduates with an MA degree. The university's job portal lists diverse job openings for people from all backgrounds. Graduates with an MA in English can go into a wide assortment of careers such as sales, public relations, social media management, editing/publishing, advertising, or politics. Graduates with an MA in Health Studies are prepared to work with individuals, groups, and families in service-oriented positions across a wide variety of public and private health, including hospital-based and corporate-based non-profit health agencies, etc. 

While applying to the University of Iowa, all international must submit a set of required documents mentioned below in order to get enrolled in the university as a student:

• Completed application along with $55 application fee;
• English proficiency exam scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo);
• Academic transcripts;
• SAT/ACT scores;
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Portfolios;
• Personal essays or SOP;
• Proof of financial support, certification of finances, and bank statements;
• Copy of Passport;
• CV/Resume; and
• GMAT or GRE scores.

According to the US News & World Report, about 86 out of every 100 applicants get selected at the University of Iowa. This makes UI a comparitively easier university to get into with an acceptance rate of 86%. However, students must not take it lightly and fulfill all the admission requirements; standardized test scores, English language requirements & relevant documents.

Note: The data is taken from unofficial sources and is subjected to change every year.

Prospective students can apply for admission through University of Iowa application or Common Application. The application fee is USD 80 per course.

The University of Iowa College of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the best nursing programs in US. Graduates of UI are sought after as highly skilled professionals who have received a rigorous education of the highest quality. The UI College of Nursing has a rich history of preparing nurses to achieve excellence in clinical practice, research, and leading systems of health care. In order to get into UI's College of Nursing, international students must fulfill the entry requirements listed below:

A cumulative high school GPA of 3.80 or higher;

Three years of completed secondary (high school) coursework;

Completion of secondary school (generally representing 12-13 years of education);

Academic records (transcripts) that reflect a graduation date or a separate secondary school diploma/certificate;

English proficiency exam scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo); and

Minimum high school course requirements:

• 4 years of High School English
• 1 year of High School Biology
• 1 year of High School Chemistry
• 1 year of High School Physics
• 1 year of each: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
• 3 years of High School Social Studies
• Minimum 2nd-level proficiency in one world language

The University of Iowa considers bright international students for a limited number of merit scholarships. However, fiinancial assistance in the form of grants, loans or need-based aid is not available for international students. The most popular scholarsip at UI is namely International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA), which awards students a disbursement of $500 - $15,000 per year.

Eligibility criteria: Scholarship selection is competitive, and is based on holistic review of all application information, high school marks/grades and SAT or ACT scores. Also, the scholarship is available for up to eight semesters or until the students receives their bachelor’s degree. Students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment (12 semester hours) at the University of Iowa (fall and spring terms), a minimum 2.50 cumulative UI GPA, continue to pay nonresident tuition and remain in international student status for renewal. Renewal reviews are done at the end of each semester.

Yes, the University of Iowa allows students to work on campus while studying in the university. Students who wish to work can find job opportunities on the university campus and in the local Iowa City/Coralville community. Most jobs are part-time hourly positions paid by employers, but some are supported by the federal Work-Study program. At UI, employment provides students with career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant to any majors and the necessary preparation and assistance for competitive job markets.

Yes, there are scholarships which are available for international students at University of Iowa. There is International Distinction in Education Award which offers USD 500 - USD 10,000 per year based on the students' academic records. There are also various types of departmental scholarships offered college wise.

Yes, the University of Iowa considers bright international students for a limited number of merit scholarships. However, fiinancial assistance in the form of grants, loans or need-based aid is not available for international students. The most popular scholarsip at UI is namely International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA).

• Value: $500 - $15,000 per year.
• Minimum Requirements: International students entering the fall (August) 2024 term will be considered for merit scholarships. Scholarship selection is competitive, and is based on holistic review of all application information, high school marks/grades and SAT or ACT scores.
• Application: Not required. Scholarship is awarded automatically to eligible students upon admission.
• Renewal: Available for up to eight semesters or until the students receives their bachelor’s degree. Students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment (12 semester hours) at the University of Iowa (fall and spring terms), a minimum 2.50 cumulative UI GPA, continue to pay nonresident tuition and remain in international student status for renewal. Renewal reviews are done at the end of each semester.

The University of Iowa offers over 200 majors, minors and certificate courses along with 100+ postgraduate courses through its 12 colleges, across 11 areas of study - Business, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Education, Law, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. The annual tuition fees required to pursue a degree course at UI is above 25L on an average, which can be considered expensive. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:

No, Indian students cannot pursue their studies in the University of Iowa without any English proficiency exam score. All the international candidates must fulfill the minimum score requirements listed below as a UI entry requirement:

English Language Exam

Minimum Score Required

TOEFL iBT

IELTS

7.0 (no band below 6.0)

PTE

68 (no sub-score less than 58)

Note: 

• The on-campus English Proficiency Exam (EPE) will be required unless the candidate submits a TOEFL overall score of 100 or higher, or an IELTS overall score of 8.0 or higher.;
• All students admitted using DuoLingo (DET) test scores will be required to take the EPE when they arrive on campus; and
• UI's English language requirements various according to program. Hence, students must go through the university's website for specific requirements.

At the University of Iowa, SAT or ACT scores are not required from international applicants who completed secondary school outside the United States. However, SAT or ACT scores are required from first-year applicants who wish to be considered for academic scholarships, Direct Admission to the Tippie College of Business or for the University of Iowa Honors Program. Also, SAT and ACT scores can be used to satisfy Iowa’s English proficiency requirements.

For the 2023-2024 academic year at the University of Iowa, the room and meal plan rates range from $5,655 to $11,598 per year for different residence hall room types. The on-campus housing and dining expenses at the University of Iowa add up to $16,416, which is close to the national average of $15,282. In addition to housing and food, the estimated total billed expenses for Iowa residents living on campus for the 2023-2024 academic year are $23,580, which includes tuition and fees. 

University of Iowa offers over 200 majors, minors and certificate courses along with 100+ postgraduate courses through its 12 colleges, across 11 areas of study - Business, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Education, Law, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. According to the US News & World Report, the most popular majors at UI include:

• Business, Management & Marketing;
• Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, & Kinesiology;
• Health Professions;
• Social Sciences;
• Engineering;
• Communication & Journalism;
• Visual & Performing Arts;
• Biological & Biomedical Sciences; and
• Education.

The University of Iowa is a top-ranking US university and is home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centers in the country as well as globally recognised leadership in the study and craft of writing. Iowa is known for excellence in both the arts and sciences, offering world-class undergraduate, graduate and professional academic programs in a wide variety of fields. At Iowa, students can pursue a course in the field of medicine in a variety of specializations such as Community Health, Clinical Skills, Disruptive Forces, Biomedical Education, Global Health Issues, Mechanisms of Health & Disease, Medicine & Science and many more.

Key Facts:

• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, one of America’s best hospitals, provides comprehensive, hands-on experience for students;
• 82% of Iowa’s nurses are Hawkeyes, having trained at one of the country’s best nursing programs;
• Iowa’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is ranked among the top 20 in the U.S; and
• The Iowa Neuroscience Institute brings together more than 100 faculty members from 26 departments to study neurological disorders.