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Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private Nonprofit

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93.4%
Acceptance
1050
SAT
$42,050
Sticker Price
$19,842
Net Price*
$52,766
Earnings
4.5 yrs
Payback
695
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Upper Iowa University's acceptance rate?

Up 42.9 percentage points since 2018

With a 93.4% acceptance rate, Upper Iowa University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Upper Iowa University?

Upper Iowa University received 695 applications in 2023, down 61% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 24% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Upper Iowa University?

Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at Upper Iowa University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Upper Iowa University?

Tuition has increased by 31% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 30% from $32,440 to $42,050.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Upper Iowa University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Public Administration earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $61,516 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Public Administration $61,516
$9,348 $122,725
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $59,781
$9,348 $122,725
Business Administration, Manag... $46,294
$9,348 $122,725
Accounting and Related Service... $44,170
$9,348 $122,725
Marketing $43,054
$9,348 $122,725
Human Resources Management and... $41,193
$9,348 $122,725
Finance and Financial Manageme... $41,193
$9,348 $122,725
Teacher Education and Professi... $40,768
$9,348 $122,725
This school National avg

Upper Iowa University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 695 649 93.4% 24.3%
2022 1,405 762 54.2% 28.3%
2021 1,240 805 64.9% 24.8%
2020 1,098 717 65.3% 25.8%
2019 1,443 740 51.3% 25.5%
2018 1,791 904 50.5% 19.1%
2017 1,927 1,071 55.6% 19.1%
2016 1,901 1,056 55.5% 20.3%
2015 1,794 1,184 66.0% 22.9%

Is Upper Iowa University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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What do Upper Iowa University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,766
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$10,500 $52,766 median $74,800

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $10,500 while the top 10% earn $74,800. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$48,776
Median Debt
$25,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
41.5%

How much does Upper Iowa University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Upper Iowa University is approximately $42,050 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$31,950
Fees
$995
Room & Board
$9,105
Total Cost of Attendance
$42,050

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $27,503
$30-48k income $19,324
$48-75k income $19,842
$75-110k income $21,127
$110k+ income $25,690

Which majors pay the most?

  • Public Administration $61,516
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $59,781
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations $46,294
  • Accounting and Related Services $44,170
  • Marketing $43,054

Who attends Upper Iowa University?

Upper Iowa University enrolls 3,102 students, with 3% from outside the United States. Women make up 58% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 3,102
Retention Rate 59%
International 3%
Women 58%
Race/Ethnicity
White 55%
Black 14%
Hispanic 8%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

69% of students receive some form of financial aid at Upper Iowa University. About 33% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 69%
Avg: $12,041 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 33%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 49%
Avg: $9,308
School's Own Grants 94%
Avg: $23,623 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Upper Iowa University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

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