by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Iowa worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Iowa is ranked #1,868 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Iowa, it ranks #28 of 48 for value.
Among the majors Iowa offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Ancient Studies/Civilization | #2 of 2 |
| Classical & Ancient Studies | #3 of 3 |
| History | #3 of 3 |
| Other English Language & Literature/Letters | #5 of 9 |
| English Literature (Other) | #5 of 9 |
| English | #5 of 9 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #6 of 10 |
| Human Resources | #9 of 15 |
| Labor & Industrial Relations | #9 of 15 |
| Playwriting & Screenwriting | #13 of 41 |
Read the full Iowa value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
University of Iowa is ranked #2 out of #51 in Iowa for quality and #28 out of #48 for Iowa value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Iowa financial aid page to be sure.
University of Iowa is ranked #1,868 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, University of Iowa is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Iowa costs about $24,350. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $97,402 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $28,596 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $22,531 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $24,350 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,402 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Iowa net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Iowa degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,384 | — | — |
| All Students | $97,402 | #1,868 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $90,124 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,384 | — | — |
| All Students | $97,402 | #28 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $90,124 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Iowa shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $13,811 |
| $30K–$48K | $16,220 |
| $48K–$75K | $20,136 |
| $75K–$110K | $22,711 |
| Over $110K | $24,580 |
About 70% of Iowa undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $10,070 per year. Get more details on the Iowa financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Iowa cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.