UIU vs. McMurry University

Comparable Facts

Compare Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA with McMurry University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Upper Iowa University is larger than McMurry University based on total student enrollment (3,941 students vs. 3,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, IA (Remote Rural setting); McMurry University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McMurry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Upper Iowa University 25:1; McMurry University 16:1.

UIU vs. McMurry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIU or McMurry University? 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 Upper Iowa University than McMurry University ($20,426 vs. $20,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McMurry University are 2.8% lower than at Upper Iowa University ($9,836 vs. $10,121).
• McMurry University is 66.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIU (about $12,865 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.1% higher at McMurry University than at Upper Iowa University (about $12,865 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at Upper Iowa University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 69.8% larger than aid received by Upper Iowa University students ($23,083 vs. $13,596).

UIU vs. McMurry University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UIU or McMurry University? 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 McMurry University and UIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Upper Iowa University (1070) is 10 points higher than at McMurry University (1060).
• Incoming McMurry University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at UIU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Upper Iowa University 970/1160; McMurry University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Upper Iowa University 14/21; McMurry University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIU - Test optional; McMurry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McMurry University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at UIU (3.34).
• UIU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.9% at UIU vs. 12% at McMurry University.

UIU vs. McMurry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIU and McMurry University? 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).

• Upper Iowa University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than McMurry University's (36%).
• Graduates from McMurry University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than UIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Upper Iowa University graduates have a $2,824 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, UIU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($248 vs. $277).
• More McMurry University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 50%)

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.