University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa · Public
University of Iowa admitted 80% of 31,454 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1130–1320 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 73% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at University of Iowa
Enter a score to see whether University of Iowa is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (80%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
University of Iowa’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early action
- November 3, 2026
- Regular decision
- February 1, 2027
The application fee is $55 ($80 for international applicants), and University of Iowa accepts the Common App fee waiver for U.S. applicants only.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check University of Iowa’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
University of Iowa doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
12 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1 took it, and 1 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How University of Iowa rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Test scores
Important
- –
Considered
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Talent or ability
- Character
- State residency
Not considered
- Essay
- Interview
- Activities
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Religion
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.86 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $28,596 in-state and $50,559 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $20,121 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
Quick answers
What is University of Iowa’s acceptance rate?
University of Iowa admitted 80% of applicants: 25,131 of 31,454 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is University of Iowa’s early action deadline?
For 2026–27, early action is due November 3, 2026 and regular decision is due February 1, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for University of Iowa?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1130 to 1320, with a median around 1230. A score at or above 1230 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is University of Iowa’s application fee?
The application fee is $55 ($80 for international applicants) for 2026–27, and University of Iowa accepts the Common App fee waiver for U.S. applicants only.
Does University of Iowa have supplemental essays?
No. University of Iowa doesn’t ask for a supplemental essay or the Common App personal essay for 2026–27.
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