University of Iowa Tuition and Fees

University of Iowa Tuition

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    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.

    Costs for 2024-2025

    Student Type

    In-State

    Out-of-State

    Tuition & Fees

    $11,283

    $33,371

    Books & Supplies

    $950

    $950

    Room & Board

    $12,920

    $12,920

    Other Expenses

    $4,066

    $4,066

    Total Cost of Attendance

    $29,219

    $51,307

    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.

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    Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

    Costs for 2024-25

    Student Type

    In-State

    Out-of-State

    Tuition & Fees

    $11,283

    $33,371

    Books

    $950

    $950

    Total

    $12,233

    $34,321

    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

    Costs for 2024-25

    Student Type

    In-State

    Out-of-State

    Tuition

    $11,650

    $30,597

    Fees

    $1,775

    $1,775

    Total Cost of Attendance

    $13,425

    $32,372


    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

    Costs for 2024-25

    Student Type

    In-State

    Out-of-State

    Room & Board

    $12,920

    $12,920

    Other Expenses

    $4,066

    $4,066

    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

    Fall 2023

    Number of Applications

    Number Accepted

    Percentage Accepted

    25,682

    21,830

    85%

    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.

    Subject

    25th Percentile

    75th Percentile

    SAT Evidence-Based
    Reading/Writing

    570

    660

    SAT Math

    560

    660

    ACT Composite

    22

    28

    ACT English

    20

    28

    ACT Math

    20

    27

    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.

    Bottom Line

    University of Iowa is a well-regarded public school that provides good value for a quality education with numerous fields of study to choose from. Costs are on par with the national average for in-state students, but somewhat higher for those from out of state. However, with many financial aid options available (including federal and private student loans), paying for an education at the University of Iowa can likely be within your reach.

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