university of iowa admissions essay

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University of Iowa Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Iowa's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Iowa and build a strong application.

School location: Iowa City, IA

Admissions Rate: 82.6%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Iowa is 82.6% . For every 100 applicants, 83 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Iowa's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Iowa GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.81

The average GPA at University of Iowa is 3.81 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.81, University of Iowa requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Iowa SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1235

The average SAT score composite at University of Iowa is a 1235 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Iowa Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Iowa SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1140, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1330. In other words, a 1140 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1330 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Iowa has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Sitting."

This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider the SAT score from your single highest test date (the sum of math, reading, and writing).

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Iowa only considers your highest score on a single test date, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit your strongest score. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1140, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Iowa ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Iowa likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at University of Iowa is 26. This score makes University of Iowa Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Iowa, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 22.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Iowa considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1140 SAT or a 22 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Iowa here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $40
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Minimum Regent Admission Index (RAI) requirement of 245 for residents, 255 for nonresidents required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes May 1 August 1
• Yes November 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 101 Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
• Phone: (319) 335-3500
• Fax: (319) 335-1535
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

You will apply to Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, or Medicine colleges. Application requirements vary by program. For more info on specific colleges, see this page. For the Liberal Arts and Sciences college, you must meet the minimum high school course requirements and have a Regent Admission Index of at least 245 for Iowa residents and 255 for out-of-state students. (For more on RAI and how to calculate yours, see this page. )

There are various scholarships available. Most are considered automatically, but for the Presidential Scholarship you need at least a 30 ACT (or a combined SAT Critical Reading and Math score of 1330) AND a 3.80 grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale, as well as a separate application. More on scholarships here.

• a GPA of 3.8 or higher and ACT composite of 27 or higher,
• ORa GPA of 3.7 or higher and ACT composite of 30 or higher
• a GPA of 3.8 or higher and ACT composite of 30 or higher.

If you don't meet those minimums but want to be considered, you can submit an appeal consisting of a personal statement, letter of recommendation, and your transcript, by May 1. Learn more about honors here.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Iowa, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Iowa.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Iowa. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Iowa, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Iowa, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Iowa is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Extracurriculars.

What Does it Take to Get Into the University of Iowa?

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The University of Iowa’s acceptance rate is 86%. What does it take to get in?

Wondering what Arthur T. Ippen, George Gallup, Diablo Cody, Flannery O’Connor, and Gene Wilder have in common? They’re all former Hawkeyes!

There’s a reason Iowa attracts everyone from inventors to actors. Located in Iowa City, this public institution offers more than 200 majors, minors, and certificates, including popular picks like business and engineering, but also more specialized fields like parks, recreation, and leisure. Additionally, the school is home to 24 NCAA Division I teams, one of the country’s largest and most prestigious medical centers, and the world-renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

No. 38 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the “Best Public Universities,” Iowa is a great place to earn a college degree. But is it the right school for you? Read on to learn what it takes to get into Iowa, along with CollegeVine’s tips for standing out from the crowd.

Applying to University of Iowa: A Quick Review

Like many large public schools, the University of Iowa admits students on a rolling basis. This means that there are no set deadlines and that admissions committees will review applications as they come in. You should apply as early as you can, while there are still spots available. If you want to apply for admission, be sure to submit the following materials:

• A completed Common Application, Coalition Application, Iowa Public Universities Application Portal application, or traditional institutional application
• Official ACT or SAT scores
• High school transcript
• A $40 non-refundable fee

Note that Iowa does not require letters of recommendation. Moreover, incoming freshmen have until July 1st to submit their final official high school transcripts.

University of Iowa Acceptance Rate: How Difficult Is It to Get In?

The University of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 86%, meaning that it accepts a majority of the students who apply. However, prospective Hawkeyes should note that the school has been enrolling fewer students in recent years. Last year, Iowa enrolled 32,948 freshmen, which represents a 1.8% drop from the 2017-2018 numbers.

Overall, students who are set on attending the University of Iowa have an excellent chance of being accepted, provided that they meet the minimum criteria for admission. 

So, How Does One Get Into University of Iowa?

The University of Iowa is passionate about admitting a knowledgeable and engaged student body. To that end, the admissions committee looks for students who have completed the following high school curriculum:

• 4 years of English/ language arts
• 3 years of natural sciences
• 3 years of social studies
• 3 years of algebra
• 2 years of world languages
• 1 year of geometry

Note that students applying to certain academic majors may face more stringent requirements. If you’re applying to the engineering or nursing schools at Iowa, be sure to check with the specific department to make sure your current high school coursework is sufficient.

Additionally, grades and test scores play a significant role in Iowa admissions decisions. If you’re applying straight from high school, Iowa will use a Regent Admission Index to evaluate the strength of your applicant profile. Known as the RAI, this score is calculated by adding the following:

• Percentile class rank x 1
• ACT composite score x 2
• Cumulative GPA x 20
• Number of years of high school core courses x 5

To be accepted, Iowa residents need a minimum RAI score of 245. Residents of other states need to score 255 or above to be competitive. 

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

Iowa favors students who excel academically. To that end, one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is to impress the admissions committee with your grade point average. The average Iowa incoming freshman has a GPA of 3.63, which indicates a mix of As and Bs. If you want to give your transcript a boost, consider increasing the number of AP and IB classes you’re taking while in high school. Doing this can improve your weighted GPA while showing admissions counselors that you have what it takes to succeed at the college level.

Additionally, aspiring Iowa students should take steps to improve their standardized test scores. With an average SAT composite of 1305 and ACT of 26, Iowa holds applicants to a high standard. Consider finding an SAT tutor who can work with you to target those test areas known to drive the largest score increases.

What If You Get Rejected?

Students who don’t get into their dream colleges are often tempted to appeal the decisions. However, the CollegeVine team advises against this practice. After all, schools rarely reverse their admissions decisions , and students are generally better off moving on to the next college on their list. For best results, apply to a a smart balance of schools, including safeties, targets, and reaches. With a little luck and support, you’ll wind up at the best place for you.

Wondering where else you should apply if the University of Iowa is on your short list? Students who apply to Iowa may also throw their hats in the ring at Midwestern institutions like Iowa State University, Western Illinois University, Drake University, and the University of Chicago. Looking for a great business school? Consider the University of Virginia, the University of Texas–Austin, or Emory.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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University of Iowa

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Wondering your admission chance to this school? Calculate your chance now

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University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is among the top public research institutions in the nation—offering a world-class education in over 200 areas of study to more than 31,000 students. From the most prestigious creative writing program in the United States, to a nationally recognized academic medical center, our balanced excellence in the arts and sciences encourages innovation and exploration across the disciplines. Our 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and smaller class sizes than peer institutions allow students to work directly with their professors while gaining real-world experience and valuable, practical skills. And with state-of-the-art academic resources in every field, Hawkeyes have access to personalized support and are equipped with the tools they need to stand out in a competitive workforce. With more than 600 student organizations on campus, we offer a variety of opportunities to get involved and have fun outside the classroom. The university seamlessly blends into the heart of Iowa City, a top 10 college town that offers all the amenities of a big city in a safe, open environment. More than 100 restaurants, local shops, Big Ten athletics, and music venues are within walking distance of campus.

Academic programs.

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Distance/online learning
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Religious Affiliation
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research

The Insider's Guide to Colleges says our campus is gorgeous, and Iowa City has been ranked among the best places to live in America. Schedule a campus visit and find out why.

Admissions office

2900 University Capitol Centre , 201 S. Clinton St. Iowa City , IA 52242 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(319) 335-3847

For first-year students

Admissions website.

admissions.uiowa.edu/apply/how-apply/

Financial aid website

financialaid.uiowa.edu/

For transfer students

View more in this region

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IOWA UPDATE

Iowa update.

Information for High School and Community College Educators

University of Iowa now available on the Common Application

Starting this fall, the University of Iowa will be an option for students applying for college through the Common Application.

The University of Iowa will now provide four options for students to apply: the Common Application, the Coalition Application, the Iowa Public Universities Application Portal, and our traditional institutional application.  The Office of Admissions does not prefer one method of application over another and hopes that this additional application option will facilitate an easier application process for students.

Here are a few specific details about applying to the University of Iowa via the Common Application:

• Essays and Letters of Recommendation will not be required for students applying to Iowa via the Common Application just as they are not required through our institutional application.
• Students will self-report GPA, number of core course units completed and ACT/SAT test scores within the Common Application. The Courses and Grades section will not be used to submit this information.
• The Common Application requires school officials to upload a grade report for all students applying through the application. On the traditional institutional application, the University of Iowa does not typically ask for a grade report prior to a student’s decision to enroll. Admission decisions at Iowa are made using self-reported information provided by the student at the time of application.

The Common App allows students to have access to more than 800 colleges and universities from 49 U.S. states and 19 countries. One-third of the more than one million Common App applicants are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

By becoming a Common App member, the University of Iowa will increase college access and help simplify the financial aid process for prospective students as the Common App provides applicants the opportunity to enter financial aid information into the application, streamlining the process for need-based fee waivers.

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Honors at Iowa

Essay writing tips.

Answer the question.

This may seem like an obvious one, but we sometimes receive responses to questions we have not asked. This should be a new essay you have written about your self specifically in response to our prompt.

Do not reuse common application or scholarship essays you have already written - it should be evident that you wrote a new essay in response to the question we have asked.

Use the space you are given.

We ask for a maximum of 750 words, but have not specified a minimum. While we see great essays at a variety of lengths, students who reach less than two thirds of the maximum words typically have not engaged with the essay prompt in a way that helps us get to know them (or that answers the question ). 

Remember that we want to get to know you.

Most of our applicants will have good grades and scores, so we rely on your essay to get a sense of who you are. This is how you stand out. In reviewing your essay before submission, ask yourself 'could this essay be written only by myself or could it have been written by anyone?' We are not looking for anything in particular when we read your application except getting to know you as a person. Be genuine. The essay should reflect what you want to write, not what you think we want to hear.

No really, what makes this essay unique is you.

Self-reflection is a large component of the Honors Program. We will be looking for some reflection in your essay. This has the dual benefit of making the essay truly, uniquely yours. Another cannot author your self-reflection. 

Stay away from absolutes.

Avoid words like "always", "never", and "no one/everyone." They can kill an otherwise sound argument and potentially divert the reader’s focus from the topic at hand to finding the exceptions, often weakening important and well-informed points.

Do not conclude by pandering.

Your conclusion does not need an explicit statement along the lines of "And this is why I'm looking forward to all the opportunities in the honors program" or "And that's why I'm excited to be a Hawkeye". It's great that you're excited to join our community, but we take your engagement with the application, as it's written (i.e. follow the instructions), as your statement of interest.

Enjoy it! (No, really!)

Believe it or not, we do not ask for an essay just to make you write. We hope the essay can be an outlet for you to explore your own mind. Don't worry about proving anything to us, other than the fact that you are human - There is no right answer! Dig deep and have fun.

Lastly, proofread!

Revise! When you think you are done, revise once more!

School of Social Work

Undergraduate admissions process.

April 1, 2024 update 

The name of the undergraduate Social Work Interest will change in the following way:

• Currently enrolled Social Work Interest students' major will automatically change to Social Work BA by April 8, 2024.
• Incoming (fall 24) admitted Social Work Interest students' major will change to Social Work BA after UI's acceptance deadline, in the first few weeks of May.
• Students applying to UI for admission in 2025 and beyond, will declare Social Work directly.

The Social Work Interest option will be discontinued.

With a social work major, students are still required to meet the criteria listed below and submit a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form to be eligible to enroll in professional core social work courses .

Criteria to enroll in the professional core social work courses

The following criteria will be published in the UI catalog during June 2024.

You can register for the professional core courses when you’ve successfully completed the following three prerequisite courses with a C or above:

• SSW:1022 Social Justice and Social Welfare in the U.S. or approved Intro to Social Work course 3 s.h.
• PSY:1001 Elementary Psychology or transfer equivalent 3 s.h.
• SOC:1010 Introduction to Sociology or transfer equivalent 3 s.h.

and meet these requirements:

• 2.0 G.P.A. minimum overall
• Completion of 45 s.h. or more
• Submits a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form (signed after criteria is met)

Program Requirements

Sample of the Acceptance to Complete the Major Agreement Form - Fall 2024

1 YEAR sequence of professional core social work courses

2 Year sequence of professional core social work courses

The BA in Social Work curriculum sequence is very structured, with the professional core social work courses starting in fall.

Because the time between fall 2023 – spring 2024 is a transition year, we have the following exceptions for the two pre-requisites: PSY1001 and SOC1010.

What if you’ve not taken these pre-requisites or earned a grade below a C in Elementary Psychology (or transfer equivalent) or Introduction to Sociology (or transfer equivalent)?

To enroll in the professional core social work courses in fall 2024, you may be enrolled in PSY1001 and/or SOC1010 while enrolled in the fall professional core social work courses.

You must achieve a passing grade in PSY1001 and SOC1010 in order to complete the major.

Students planning to enroll in professional core courses in fall 2025 and after, will be required to meet all of the criteria listed above.

Information Sessions

We encourage prospective applicants to attend a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Information Session to learn more about the program requirements and criteria to be eligible to enroll in the professional core social work courses. Upcoming information session dates and registration form can be found on the following Information Sessions page.

Iowa City B.A. Information Sessions  

Who Can Enter the Social Work Major

Students are eligible to complete the Professional Social Work Agreement form, after they meet the criteria listed above.

To access the Professional Social Work Agreement form link, contact:

Ben Landsee, Social Work Advisor at [email protected] for further guidance.

Social Work Interest Majors

Social Work Interest students are eligible to complete the Professional Social Work Agreement form, after they meet the criteria.  

During this transition year (fall 2023 - spring 2024), after the signed Agreement form is received:

• the School of Social Work will assist to add/change your major to social work; and
• Ben Landsee, the Social Work Interest advisor, will assist you to create a course plan to complete the social work major during your next advising appointment.  Ben Landsee can be reached at [email protected] for further guidance.

As a Social Work Interest major, you can participate in the Social Work Student Association and other School activities.

Transfer Students

Transfer students from a community college or another B.A. in Social Work program can be eligible to complete the Professional Social Work Agreement form if they meet the criteria.

Step #1 - You must first be admitted to the University of Iowa  to access the Agreement form.  This includes sending a transcript to UI.

Step #2 - Contact [email protected] to access the Agreement form.  The email must include your University ID number. *The School has approved introductory level social work courses from numerous area community colleges ( see transfer course tables of approved courses ). If the introductory course you took is not on this list, contact [email protected]  for approval before you submit your application.

Transfer Students from another Accredited BSW/BASW Program If you completed social work courses at another CSWE-accredited social work program, you can request to have these courses applied to the Social Work major. The School will evaluate and approve courses on a case-by-case basis. To have your social work courses at another institution considered, it is best to provide these course outlines to [email protected] before applying so you know which courses are approved towards the major if you are accepted.  If these courses are accepted, your advisor will adjust your plan of study accordingly.

Gen Ed CLAS Core World Language Requirement The School is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).  For students entering the UI for their first degree-seeking session in summer 2024 or later, additional pathways to meet the world language requirement details here .

If you have any questions about the program, the Professional Social Work Agreement form, or need assistance with a requirement listed above, please contact us at [email protected] or call  319-335-1250 .

College of Nursing

Direct Admission: Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Prelicensure

Direct Admission decisions were emailed to all applicants on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.  Emails were sent to the address submitted on the application to the university. If you do not see an email in your inbox, please check your junk/spam filter. All students who had an application in progress have been notified.

If you have questions, please email  [email protected] .

DIRECT ADMISSION OPTIONS (available for eligible high school students only) Direct Admission to the College of Nursing is designed for qualified high school students committed to nursing as their chosen profession. Up to 80 Direct Admission students will be selected for study beginning each fall. Students admitted through Direct Admission will have the opportunity to complete the program in four years.

Standardized test scores are not currently being used by faculty in the College of Nursing as part of the review process. Because of this, students must meet ALL eligibility requirements. Students could benefit from reporting test scores to the University of Iowa Office of Admissions. For more details about this, contact your admissions counselor or visit:  admissions.uiowa.edu/testing

Application Process Eligibility Application Deadlines Admission TOEFL Requirements

Application process.

For first-year students interested in applying directly to the University of Iowa College of Nursing, the first step is to apply for admission to the University of Iowa via the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and indicate Nursing Interest as the major area of study.

      First-Year Admission to Liberal Arts & Sciences

Qualified students who meet the Direct Admission eligibility requirements will see the link to the Supplemental Application on their Admission Profile within MyUI. The link should appear 24-48 hours after being admitted to the University of Iowa.

To be considered for Direct Admission, students must submit the Supplemental Application which includes essay questions, an activities/experiences list, and an official high school transcript.  Without all these components, an application is considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Please have official high school transcripts mailed to:

     Enrollment Management     2900 University Capitol Centre     201 S. Clinton St.     Iowa City, IA 52242

Electronic transcripts can be sent to  [email protected] ; however, for transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the student’s school. Transcripts uploaded by the student are not considered official.

All complete Direct Admission applications will be reviewed by the faculty admission committee. Admission is competitive, thus, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT ADMISSION

Applicants meeting all of the published criteria listed below will be invited to submit an application for Direct Admission.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum 3.8 or higher cumulative GPA (can be weighted or unweighted)
• 4 years of High School English
• 1 year of High School Biology
• 1 year of High School Chemistry
• 1 year of High School Physics
• 1 year of each: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
• 3 years of High School Social Studies
• Minimum 2nd-level proficiency in one world language
• High School students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for Direct Admission may apply through the  Standard Admission  process.
• *All Direct Admission candidates must complete high school course content deficiencies prior to enrollment at Iowa.
• **If a Direct Admission candidate meets the world language requirement with the minimum of second-level proficiency in a world language, the student will then be required to complete an additional three s.h. course from one of the following categories: Values & Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, or International & Global Issues. Students who complete 4th-level proficiency in one world language or 2nd-level proficiency in two world languages satisfy the college’s graduation requirement and need not take additional world language coursework.
• Standardized   test scores are not used as a part of the application or review process, however, students may want to submit their ACT/SAT scores to the University of Iowa for scholarship consideration.

COMPONENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION

The Supplemental Application includes several essay questions and an activities/experiences list.

The essay questions are a very important part of your application .  We recommend you prepare responses in a separate document (using Microsoft Word or a similar program) and paste them into the supplemental application. Preparing your response in a separate document will allow you to check your spelling and save your responses should you want to refer to them at a later date. Each essay question has a 1,500-character limit. A space is considered a character.

The supplemental application includes an opportunity to share about your activities and work and/or volunteer experiences.  Applicants are encouraged to share several activities they have been involved in within the past five years with the faculty review committee as this information is an equally important part of the faculty review process.

As you respond to the essays and share activities, work, or volunteering experiences, be sure to articulate how these opportunities have developed you as a person and how this contributes to your ability to be a nurse in the future.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

• January 15, 11:59 p.m. is the submission deadline for the Nursing Supplemental Application and official documents.
• Applicants will receive an admission decision in early March.
• The Direct Admission cohort is comprised of 80 first year students.

Acceptance Deadline All students will have until May 1 to accept or decline an offer of admission

ASSURED ADMISSION AND WAITLIST FOR ASSURED ADMISSION

Students not initially offered Direct Admission may be selected for Assured Admission or added to a Waitlist for Assured Admission.

Assured Admission

A small number of students will be offered Assured Admission. These students will fill vacancies created by Direct Admission admits declining offers of admission, canceling admission after acceptance, or withdrawing from the program. Assured students are guaranteed a spot to begin the nursing major in the fall or spring of their junior year. These students are expected to enroll at the University of Iowa and maintain the same criteria as a Direct Admission student to keep their spot on the Assured Admission List. Assured Admission students are considered College of Nursing students.

Waitlist for Assured Admission

A select number of students who are not initially offered Direct Admission and are not guaranteed Assured Admission will be placed on a Waitlist for Assured Admission. After May 1 and once all seats in the Direct Admission class have been filled, any student remaining on the list will have their application to the College of Nursing cancelled.

Students who are not admitted via Direct Admission or guaranteed a spot via Assured Admission could enroll at the University of Iowa as a student in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences with a major of Nursing Interest and be part of the Standard Admission process after their second year of enrollment. Standard Admission students should anticipate a plan of study that will take 4.5 years.

FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION

The following factors are considered by the admissions committee while reviewing applications. This list is not all inclusive. It is in alphabetical order and does not indicate order of importance:

• Academic preparation, including GPA
• Advanced Placement/Honors/Dual enrollment credit
• Demonstrated commitment of service to others
• Contribution to the College of Nursing commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Essay responses
• Experiences that develop qualities that contribute to becoming a nurse
• Experience in caregiving
• Military service
• Understanding of professional nursing practice

BENEFITS 

Direct Admission and Assured Admission students will be assigned an advisor in the College of Nursing and become engaged with our college through research, simulation, support and/or volunteerism while completing prerequisite courses for the nursing major. Direct Admission students have the opportunity to complete the degree in four years. Assured Admission students may have the opportunity to complete the degree in four years and are guaranteed to the have the opportunity to complete the degree in four and a half years.

TOEFL REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE OF NURSING

International students seeking admission into the College of Nursing for either Direct Admission or Standard Admission must meet the requirements listed for that pathway. International students who are citizens of a country in which English is not the official language also are required to complete the following:

• For students (early admission or transfer) who are new to the University of Iowa and admitted directly to the College of Nursing as a pre-licensure BSN student, a score of 100 on the iBT TOEFL is required.
• University of Iowa students who are interested in studying nursing at Iowa, but have not yet earned admission to the College of Nursing must present a minimum iBT of 80 with no subscore lower than 17, and complete the English Proficiency Evaluation (unless they have a TOEFL score of 100 or higher on the iBT). Students may be required to complete English as a Second Language course work if specified as a result of the English Proficiency Evaluation. If such course work is required, it must be completed prior to the start of the nursing major.
• Exemptions may be granted for persons who have completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) at an accredited university in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada (excluding French Quebec), Africa (English speaking), Australia, or New Zealand.

Please contact the college's advising staff in the Felton Student Success Center (CNB 109) in the College of Nursing at 319-335-8216 or  [email protected]

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Ready to apply? You’re in the right place.

The application process is easy for all students and takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. You can save your application along the way, too!

• You’ll be required to create an account (which we call your CatID ) to access the UNI Application.
• If you’ve previously applied or already have a CatID, you’ll need to log-in using that account to begin. 

Need help. See tips and requirements below!

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Students currently attending a U.S. high school or high school graduates that have not enrolled in college. 

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Returning UNI students who have previously attended UNI but not obtained their Bachelor's degree should use this  Re-Entry form . 

Other Students:   See requirement button below for specific application requirements / Second bachelors degree / Teacher licensure / Visiting non-degree students (such as PSEO students) / Subsequent majors 

Admission Requirements

Review the requirements for admission to UNI for freshmen, transfer, international and other applicants.

Tips for Applying

Here’s some pointers to assist you during the application process. We want to make sure you’re prepared and ready to take the first step in becoming a Panther. 

Setting up and managing your CatID 

Your CatID is your personal identifier among the UNI community – so it's an integral part of your journey as a Panther. Learn more about what makes up your username, password requirements and what to do if you've forgotten yours. 

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Undergraduate Students: The application fee is $40 for U.S. students and $50 for international students. Fee waivers are available for U.S. students who qualify. International students can request to defer their fee.

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Graduate Students:  The application fees is $60 for U.S. students and $75 for international students. Application fees are waived for UNI alumni.

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Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the  UNI Annual Security and Fire Report.  A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

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International Programs

Ui alum claire breger-belsky awarded fulbright to argentina.

Claire Breger-Belsky, who received an MFA in literary translation from the University of Iowa in May 2023, is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Grant in translation to Argentina for 2024-25.

Hometown: West Newbury, Massachusetts   Degree: MFA in literary translation   

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?   I’ll be working with the Centro Documental y Biblioteca Pinie Katz in Buenos Aires to research and translate plays and poetry of women writing in Yiddish in Argentina.  

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? I hope to continue researching and translating Yiddish from Argentina and across the Spanish-speaking world; this Fulbright will give me the opportunity to begin digging through some of the major archives of this literature and make connections with others working on similar topics.

What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?   It’s predictable advice , but start your application early enough that you have time for many rounds of edits! I had my project pretty figured out before starting my application, but I still revised or rewrote pretty much every written portion of my application at least half a dozen times. (Also, make sure to pay attention to word counts on the smaller short answers, not just the longer essays!)  

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright ?   My time at the University of Iowa, when I had the opportunity to translate and think about translation constantly in the company of other translators, coincided perfectly with the beginning of my Yiddish studies. Learning about translation in a space where I could work with both Spanish and Yiddish at once helped me realize that this intersection was a place I wanted to focus, and Iowa is where I really started to dive into the history of Yiddish in Argentina.  

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?   To keep this answer reasonably brief, I’ll just say my recommenders—Aron Aji, Judy Liskin -Gasparro, and Jan Steyn—for all their support and encouragement; everyone on the Fulbright advising team who read my application or worked with me, especially Karen Wachsmuth for her invaluable application help and perspective; my Yiddish and Spanish teachers; and of course my parents who, along with everything else, had to read my application quite a few times.  

EXPLORE THE MANY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO UI STUDENTS AND ALUMNI  

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

• Fulbright 2024
• international fellowships
• student funding
• study abroad

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

Iowa regents give preliminary approval to tuition hike for state's 3 public universities

Students at the three public universities in Iowa are likely to see an increase in tuition and fees for the upcoming school year.

The Iowa Board of Regents on Friday gave preliminary approval Friday to the higher tuition and mandatory fees for the 2024-2025 school year for undergraduate and grad students at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa.

The regents will take a final vote when they next meet June 11-13.

Last year, the regents agreed to raise tuition at all three universities by 3.5% for undergraduate students . So how much could tuition increase this year?

Why is the Iowa Board of Regents proposing another tuition hike?

The regent universities are feeling the pressures of inflation. The proposed increase reflects the potential rise in costs the universities could face in the coming year.

"Inflation impacts higher education in the same manner it affects other segments of the economy," said the proposal included in the regents' Friday agenda.

In addition, Iowa lawmakers rejected the regents' full funding request for the 2024-2025 academic year. The board asked for an extra $14.8 million in general university appropriations. Instead, the Legislature agreed to increase funding by $12.3 million, or 2.5%.

How much could tuition increase for undergraduates at Iowa's public universities?

In-state resident undergraduates at Iowa State and the University of Iowa could find themselves paying 3% more in tuition. This amounts to a $270 increase for the 2024-2025 school year. Non-residents at the University of Iowa will see the smallest percentage increase at 1.3%, or an extra $395.

Non-residential students at Iowa State face the highest potential increase at $1,178 or 4.5%.

The University of Northern Iowa has proposed a 2% increase for all undergraduate students. This amounts to $168 more for residents and $400 more for non-residents.

What are the proposed 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition rates for the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa?

Here are the proposed tuition rates for the Regent Universities for undergraduate students in the 2024-2025 academic year:

University of Iowa

• Residents: $9,286 up from $9,016
• Non-residents: $31,374 up from $30,979

Iowa State University

• Residents: $9,252 up from $8,982
• Non-residents: $27,346 up from $26,168

University of Northern Iowa

• Residents: $8,564 up from $8,396
• Non-residents: $ 20,340 up from $19,940

How much could tuition increase for graduate students at Iowa's public universities?

Graduate students at Iowa State University face the highest percentage increase, but will still pay less in tuition than the University of Iowa. Non-residents and in-state students at ISU could pay an extra 4.5% on their U-bill in the coming academic year. That amounts to an extra $496 for resident students and $1,254 for non-residential students at Iowa State University.

Resident and non-residential graduate students at the University of Iowa face the same dollar amount increase for their tuition. Both could see their bills increase by $394, with in-state students potentially seeing a 3.5% increase while non-residents face a 1.3% increase.

University of Northern Iowa graduate students will also see the same percentage increase, potentially going up by 2%. This could amount to an extra $200 for residential students and $430 for non-residential students.

What are the proposed graduate tuition rates at Iowa's public universities?

• Residents: $11,650 up from $11,256
• Non-residents: $30,597 up from $30,203
• Residents: $11,492 up from $10,996
• Non-residents: $29,102 up from $27,848
• Residents: $10,230 up from $10,030
• Non-residents: $21,932 up from $21,502

Could Iowa's public universities increase mandatory fees for the 2024-2025 school year?

Paying for classes isn't the only expense students have to budget for. All students pay mandatory fees to provide campus services including health care, technology, mental health resources and student activities. Each university has varying fees and services catered to students, but all three schools are asking for more money from students to cover the expected costs.

Potential fee increases for the 2024-2025 school year

University of Iowa :

• Proposed increase: 2.5% or $49, to a total of $1,997
• Proposed increase: 1.3% or $20, to a total of $1,534
• Proposed increase: 3% or $40, , to a total of $1,534

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at  [email protected]  or follow her on Twitter at @ Kkealey17 .