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University of Iowa acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as Iowa

University of Iowa accepts 84% of applicants. It is a public university in Iowa City, Iowa, with about 22,264 undergraduates. The sticker price is $25,302 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $22,508.

84%Acceptance rate

1130–1330Middle 50% SAT

21–28Middle 50% ACT

$22,508Average cost after aid / year

76%Graduation rate

$55,641Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Iowa?

Admitly estimates a typical Iowa resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.7 for admission to be likely (80%+).

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into University of Iowa by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1240, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPA	Iowa resident	Out-of-state
2.5	45% Target	20% Reach
2.7	45% Target	20% Reach
3.0	45% Target	20% Reach
3.3	61% Target	32% Target
3.5	74% Target	46% Target
3.7	84% Likely	61% Target
3.9	91% Likely	75% Target
4.0	93% Likely	80% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at University of Iowa

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $25,302 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family income	In-state	Out-of-state
Under $50k	$15,400	$34,100
$50k – $100k	$17,200	$36,000
$100k – $150k	$22,300	$41,100
$150k – $250k	$25,300	$47,390
Over $250k	$25,300	$47,390

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

76%Finish their degree

90%Return for second year

$55,641Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about University of Iowa

What is the acceptance rate at University of Iowa?

University of Iowa admits 84% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into University of Iowa?

Admitly estimates a typical Iowa resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.7 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of Iowa?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1130–1330 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does University of Iowa cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $25,302 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $22,508 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $15,400 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at University of Iowa?

76% of students finish their degree, and 90% return for a second year.

Colleges similar to University of Iowa

Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA · admits 89%
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI · admits 85%
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA · admits 85%
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI · admits 85%
Ohio UniversityAthens, OH · admits 85%
Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT · admits 82%