Is UIU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
UIU is ranked #2,249 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Iowa, it ranks #40 of 48 for value.
These UIU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Special Education | #10 of 14 |
| Commercial & Advertising Art | #20 of 35 |
| Other Health & Medical Administrative Services | #21 of 30 |
| Healthcare Administration / Management | #21 of 30 |
| Sports Studies | #23 of 45 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #37 of 43 |
| Public Administration | #37 of 43 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs | #44 of 51 |
| Business Education | #49 of 55 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education | #53 of 54 |
Read the full UIU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Upper Iowa University is ranked #42 out of #51 in Iowa for quality and #40 out of #48 for Iowa value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the UIU financial aid page to be sure.
Upper Iowa University is ranked #2,249 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Upper Iowa University 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 UIU costs about $25,258. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $101,034 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $34,022 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $20,942 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $25,258 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,034 |
*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.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UIU net price and the factors that affect it.
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 UIU 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 | $136,088 | — | — |
| All Students | $101,034 | #2,249 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $83,768 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $136,088 | — | — |
| All Students | $101,034 | #40 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $83,768 | — | — |
*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 UIU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $27,503 |
| $30K–$48K | $19,324 |
| $48K–$75K | $19,842 |
| $75K–$110K | $21,127 |
| Over $110K | $25,690 |
About 67% of UIU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,339 per year. Get more details on the UIU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the UIU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.