Iowa vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA with University of Missouri Columbia in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than Iowa based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 30,779 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Iowa 16:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

Iowa vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iowa or University of Missouri-Columbia? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Iowa than University of Missouri-Columbia ($21,765 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Iowa are 5.7% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($12,920 vs. $13,700).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 31.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $3,554 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at University of Iowa (about $2,685 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at University of Iowa (95% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 33.8% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($13,203 vs. $9,865).

Iowa vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iowa or University of Missouri-Columbia? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Missouri-Columbia and Iowa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Columbia (1240) is 10 points higher than at Iowa (1230).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Iowa).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 1130/1330; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 21/28; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iowa - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than University of Missouri-Columbia (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at Iowa vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Iowa vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iowa and University of Missouri-Columbia? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Iowa's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Missouri Columbia's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $267 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($21,616 vs. $21,883).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($223 vs. $226).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.