It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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What customers are saying
Get to know University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a leading public research university known for its strengths in writing, health sciences, business, engineering, and the arts. It promotes academic excellence, innovation, and public service, with a strong foundation in the liberal arts and a commitment to student success.
Overview
The University of Iowa, founded in 1847, is a public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa. It offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 12 colleges and schools.
Size
The University of Iowa has a total enrollment of approximately 30,000 students, including around 21,000 undergraduates and 9,000 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
The University of Iowa has an acceptance rate of around 86%. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half have an SAT score between 1130–1340 or an ACT score between 23–29.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition at the University of Iowa is approximately $10,400 for in-state students and $32,300 for out-of-state students, with graduate tuition varying by program. About 85% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and need-based assistance.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Iowa is ranked #93 out of 436 National Universities. The rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes.
Academics
The University of Iowa offers more than 200 areas of study, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across its 12 colleges. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, the university supports meaningful interaction between students and faculty across a wide range of disciplines.
Traditions
The University of Iowa is known for its beloved traditions, including the Hawkeye Wave to patients at the nearby children’s hospital during football games, Homecoming Week, On Iowa! welcome events for new students, performances by the Hawkeye Marching Band, and the Iowa Fight Song—all of which foster school pride and a strong sense of community.
Campus landmarks
The University of Iowa’s most notable landmarks include the historic Old Capitol Building at the center of campus, the University of Iowa Pentacrest, the Voxman Music Building, Kinnick Stadium, and the Iowa River flowing through campus—all reflecting the university’s rich heritage and scenic setting in Iowa City.
Student body
While a majority of University of Iowa students are from within the state, the university also attracts a substantial number of out-of-state students from places like Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas, and California, along with a growing population of international students from around the world.
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Become a guideYour University of Iowa questions, answered
What GPA is needed to get into the University of Iowa?
While the University of Iowa does not have a strict GPA cutoff, admitted students generally have solid academic records, with average GPAs often ranging from 3.4 to 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. The university considers a student's overall academic performance and curriculum rigor.
How do I take an admissions tour of the University of Iowa?
You can take an admissions tour of the University of Iowa by registering for an official campus visit, which typically includes an information session and a student-led walking tour. Details and registration options are available on their official admissions website.
What is campus life like at the University of Iowa?
Campus life at the University of Iowa is active and engaging, with over 500 student organizations, a strong Greek life presence, and passionate support for its NCAA Division I athletics (Iowa Hawkeyes). Students enjoy a blend of academic pursuits and social activities in a classic college town setting.
What are the popular majors at the University of Iowa?
Popular majors at the University of Iowa include Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, and various Communication and Media studies. Its creative writing programs, particularly the Iowa Writers' Workshop, are internationally recognized.
Where is the University of Iowa located?
The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa City is a vibrant and culturally rich community known for its literary heritage, arts scene, and designation as a UNESCO City of Literature.
What are the housing options like at the University of Iowa?
The University of Iowa offers various on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and modern living-learning communities. Most first-year students live on campus, providing a supportive environment for transitioning to university life.
Is Iowa City a good college town?
Yes, Iowa City is widely regarded as an excellent college town, offering a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural vibrancy, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its downtown area is directly adjacent to campus, providing easy access to dining, entertainment, and arts venues.
What is the "Iowa Writers' Workshop"?
The Iowa Writers' Workshop is a highly prestigious and internationally renowned graduate-level creative writing program at the University of Iowa. It has produced numerous Pulitzer Prize winners and other celebrated authors, making it a cornerstone of American literary education.
Does University of Iowa offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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