University of Iowa (UIowa) vs IU-Bloomington

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington. While both share a commitment to academic excellence, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Discover the differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the unique strengths and offerings of each institution to determine which aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	University of Iowa
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	Iowa City, Iowa
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	86.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1160 - 1380	1130 - 1350
ACT range	26 - 32	22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	18.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	65.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	22,434
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	19,340
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	4,521
Yield rate	24.0%	23.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $24,686 Out of state: $46,649
Average net price	$13,386	$17,599
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $8,356 Out of state: $30,319
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	$11,780
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	71.0% Average amount $11,007
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	44.0% Average amount $5,282
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	10.0% Average amount $16,747

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	21,608 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	8,301 Men 46.1% Women 53.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	39.4%
International students	10.4%	5.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	13,484	6,660
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	Iowa Illinois Minnesota Wisconsin California

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Engineering Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	73.7%
Dropout rate	7.9%	7.2%
Transferred out	10.2%	17.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $125,938 Year 2: $134,155 Year 3: $142,171 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $85,649 Year 2: $112,215 Year 3: $121,442 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,222 Year 2: $96,991 Year 3: $113,045 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,534 Year 2: $103,913 Year 3: $108,049 Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,863 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $81,687 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $61,283 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $81,057 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,973 Year 2: $69,657 Year 3: $80,787 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,231 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $80,592 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,094 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $78,583 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,942 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $71,106

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa, a mid-sized city with a strong college-town atmosphere. The campus is integrated with the city, offering easy access to downtown amenities and cultural events. Indiana University-Bloomington is situated in Bloomington, Indiana, also a college town, but generally considered to have a slightly larger and more diverse population than Iowa City. IU-Bloomington's campus is known for its beautiful, sprawling, and historic architecture, creating a distinct collegiate feel.
How do the academic programs compare at the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. The University of Iowa is particularly strong in its writing programs (Iowa Writers' Workshop), medicine, and engineering. Indiana University-Bloomington is renowned for its Kelley School of Business, the Jacobs School of Music, and its programs in international studies and informatics. Both universities have excellent programs across various disciplines, so the best choice depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at the University of Iowa versus Indiana University-Bloomington?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies slightly between the two universities. Generally, both are considered relatively affordable compared to private institutions. However, the specific costs can fluctuate. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as details on financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life. The University of Iowa has a strong emphasis on arts and culture, with numerous performance venues and a thriving arts scene. It also has a passionate fanbase for its Hawkeyes sports teams. Indiana University-Bloomington boasts a very active Greek life, a wide array of student organizations, and a strong emphasis on music and the arts. IU also has a very enthusiastic fanbase for its Hoosiers sports teams. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build a strong sense of community.
What are the housing options like at the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

Both universities offer a variety of housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and off-campus housing. The University of Iowa provides a range of residence halls with different amenities and living styles. Indiana University-Bloomington also has a diverse selection of residence halls, including some with specialized living-learning communities. Both universities have resources to help students find suitable off-campus housing as well.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. Both universities have strong alumni networks that support students in their career pursuits. While specific job placement rates can vary by program and year, both universities generally have good placement rates for their graduates, with graduates finding employment in a variety of fields.
What are the athletic programs like at the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

Both universities are members of the Big Ten Conference and have competitive athletic programs. The University of Iowa is known for its wrestling, football, and basketball programs. Indiana University-Bloomington is particularly strong in basketball, swimming, and soccer. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity sports and intramural activities, providing ample opportunities for students to participate in and enjoy athletics.
How does the overall campus culture differ between the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington?

The University of Iowa tends to have a more laid-back and arts-focused culture, with a strong emphasis on writing and creative expression. Indiana University-Bloomington often has a more traditional college atmosphere, with a strong Greek life presence and a focus on school spirit and social activities. However, both universities are diverse and welcoming, and the specific campus culture can vary depending on the individual student's interests and involvement.
Which university is better for a student interested in the arts?

Both universities have strong arts programs. The University of Iowa is particularly renowned for its writing programs, including the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and has a vibrant arts scene. Indiana University-Bloomington's Jacobs School of Music is one of the best in the nation, and the university also has strong programs in theater, dance, and visual arts. The best choice depends on the specific art form a student is interested in.
How accessible are the campuses for students with disabilities?

Both the University of Iowa and Indiana University-Bloomington are committed to providing accessible campuses for students with disabilities. Both universities have resources and services to support students with disabilities, including accommodations, assistive technology, and accessible facilities. It's recommended to contact the respective university's disability services office for specific information about accessibility and support services.

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