The University of Iowa SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Iowa’s admit rate is student-friendly, but the 3.83 average GPA shows admitted students are still academically solid. If you choose to submit scores, aim near or above a 28 ACT, since 57% of students submit ACT results.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The University of Iowa facts and stats
The University of Iowa enrolls 22,738 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Iowa has a 90% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 75% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
Iowa City, IA
How do your scores compare at Iowa?
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Key The University of Iowa application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
May 5
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
December 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Iowa, aim for your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. With Iowa’s Regular Decision deadline on May 5, a late fall retake should still arrive in time, so use retakes mainly to strengthen the score you decide to send.
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What you'll actually pay
Iowa is a Big Ten public university with in-state tuition of $9,286 and out-of-state tuition of $31,374. About 45% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $6,075. Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline.
Out-of-state tuition at Iowa is $31,374, while in-state tuition is $9,286. Room and board adds $12,563 to the annual cost. About 45% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $15,594, and the average merit award is $6,075. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,147.
Student life at The University of Iowa
28% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 15% of men join fraternities, and 17% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IAACT: 18–24
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAAcceptance rate: 77.6%
ACT: 19–26
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