University of Iowa Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Iowa is a public research university with widely recognized programs in the arts and sciences, and hundreds of different areas of study. Founded in 1847, its picturesque campus is located in Iowa City along the banks of the Iowa River. As of the fall 2024 term, 32,199 students were enrolled, pursuing an array of academic degrees and dreams.

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of Iowa tuition for state residents was $11,283 in 2024-25. This is on par with the national average of $11,260 for in-state tuition at public universities. For residents of other states, tuition was $33,371, which is somewhat higher than the national average of $29,150 for out-of-state tuition.

Financial Aid

To help with the University of Iowa cost, 88% of students use one or more forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, loans, or a combination of them.

Explore financial aid options: Iowa Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  Scholarship Search Tool

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Of the students who use student loans to help with University of Iowa tuition, 46% have federal loans and 13% have private loans. The average amount they have in federal student loans is $5,262 and, in private student loans, $18,217.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of Iowa cost for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, would be $29,219 per year, for a total of $116,876, for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the per-year cost would be $51,307, for a total of $205,228.

Comparatively, the national average for four years of in-state tuition and fees at public universities would be $115,360, and $186,920 for out-of-state students, based on $28,840 and $46,730 annual costs, respectively. As you can see, the cost is just slightly higher for in-state students, but considerably higher for those who are out-of-state.

Here’s some Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

The combined cost of University of Iowa tuition and fees plus books in 2024-25 was $12,233 for Iowa residents and $34,321 for other students.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for grad school at the University of Iowa was $13,425 for in-state students and $32,372 for out-of-state students in 2024-25. The average cost for grad school is $21,730 per year.

There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour for part-time University of Iowa students is $387 to $434, depending on the undergraduate program of study.

Campus Housing Expenses

Off-campus housing is calculated at the same price for the 2024-25 school year.

Prospective students can learn more here .

University of Iowa Acceptance Rate

The University of Iowa has a high acceptance rate of 85%.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what you’re required to submit, and what’s recommended, with your application to the University of Iowa.

Required:

•  High school transcript with GPA

•  Proof of English proficiency

Recommended:

•  SAT or ACT scores

SAT and ACT Scores

Recently, 19% of applicants provided SAT scores and 59% submitted ACT scores. The University of Iowa is test-optional. Here are the standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile at UI.

Popular Majors at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers more than 200 areas of study for undergraduates. Here are the most popular majors.

1. Exercise Science and Kinesiology

After taking courses on the body’s response to the various effects of exercise, students are prepared for careers in personal training, group fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport coaching. Many choose to further their studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, or chiropractic, or by going to medical school.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 393

2. Finance

Finance majors take Financial Accounting and Reporting, Financial Information Technology, Investment Management, and Corporate Finance. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Hawkinson Institute, a program that provides a two-course seminar, investment management speakers, and individualized professional development to sharpen their analytical abilities, market knowledge, technical tools, and skills in investment banking.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 344

3. Marketing and Marketing Management

Marketing majors can go beyond their coursework to deepen their knowledge through The Marketing Institute, a program that provides a two-course seminar with executives from top corporations, case competitions, and professional development in teamwork, writing, interviewing, and oral communications. Additionally, students can join UI’s chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 262

4. Nursing

Nursing students study Principles of Human Anatomy, Fundamentals of Human Physiology, Nutrition and Health, and Healthcare Finance. They also complete around 700 hours of clinical experience.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 229

5. Organization Leadership

In this program, business students learn about company structures, key strategies to lead, and other vital management issues.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 195

6. Liberal Studies

This online degree program gives students the chance to choose a track in one of the following: Expression in Writing and Arts; Family, Community, and Social Support; Global Studies; Health and Human Studies; Justice and Ethics; or Organizational Studies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 184

7. Labor and Industrial Relations

Majors in this program learn about leadership, labor issues, workplace dynamics, and legal guidelines.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 159

8. Speech Communication and Rhetoric

This program in the communications department prepares students for a career in communications and/or journalism. It involves a deep dive into media and society, interpersonal and relational communication, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 156

9. Elementary Education

This rigorous program gives future elementary educators the skills they need. Students can choose a specialty like Art K-8, English as a Second Language K-12, Middle School 5-8, Reading K-8, Talented and Gifted PK-12, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 154

10. Accounting

Students get a solid business background in working with numbers. They learn how to analyze, manage, summarize, and report financial data to prepare for a career in accounting.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 143

Graduation Rate

These are the graduation rates at the University of Iowa’s class of 2017:

•  4 years: 57%

•  6 years: 73%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

After earning their degree, University of Iowa undergrads make a median salary of $65,000 per year. That’s slightly less than the annual average of $68,516 for undergraduates nationally.