Overview
Enrollment
Upper Iowa University, located in the rural community of Fayette in northeastern Iowa, operates from a 100-acre main campus that features a mix of historic and modern academic buildings nestled within the rolling hills of the Volga River Valley. Founded in 1857 as a private institution, UIU has evolved to become a comprehensive university that offers both traditional undergraduate programs and extensive distance learning options through its multiple worldwide education centers. The university maintains a focus on business, education, and science programs, while also offering degrees in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus provides traditional student housing options in several residence halls, and the university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Peacocks, participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UIU is rated within the lower 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Upper Iowa University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#917 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#550 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#21 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#18 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#51 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1160 |
| ACT | 14/21 |
| GPA | 3.34 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $1,000 |
| Room and Board | $9,770 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,252 |
| Total One Year Cost | $34,022 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 40% |
| Human Services | 17% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| Education | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UIU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=154493 IPEDS survey data for Upper Iowa University.
Current students may use the Upper Iowa University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025