At the University of Iowa, we measure our success by our students.
We are committed to providing a high-quality, accessible education that prepares our graduates for fulfilling and successful careers. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a future business leader, or the next great storyteller, our university's unique blend of excellence ensures that our graduates are confident, skilled, and ready to make a difference. By prioritizing excellence in teaching and learning alongside the holistic well-being of our students, we ensure every Hawkeye has the support and resources to thrive from their first day on campus through long after they graduate.
90.9 %
For first-year undergraduate students who entered in fall 2024
96 %
Graduates employed, continuing their education, or not seeking work within six months of graduating (summer 2023 - spring 2024)
$ 80,210
For graduates 10-years after earning their degree
What Iowa Graduates Accomplish
At graduation
- 59% report having already received job offers.
- 71% completed an internship, practicum, research, or co-op experience.
Within six months of graduation
- 96% found a job, continued their education, or are not seeking employment.
- Their median salary is $55,000.
- 21% chose to continue their education.
- 93% report their employment is related to their career goals.
Five years after graduation
- 95% report their employment is related to their career goals.
- 95% report being satisfied or very satisfied with their job.
- 58% report seeing career growth.
- 57% have increased their salaries.
Ten years after graduation
- $80,210 median income ($6,684 monthly).
- 30% earned a master’s or doctoral degree.
- For students who graduated with federal loan debt, 3.6% of income is spent on paying student debt ($239 of $6,684).
The value of a University of Iowa degree
The University of Iowa prides itself on providing a high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable. In fact, Iowa is the only top 50 public university in the nation (U.S. News and World Report) with an acceptance rate above 75% and resident tuition and fees lower than $12,000. Plus, a UI education pays off. Hawkeyes have a 96% job or graduate school placement rate within six months of receiving their degree, 10% higher than the national average. Around half of our undergraduate students graduate from our university with zero student debt. For those who do have loans to pay off, the average amount of debt is less than the state and national averages.
Top Employers in Iowa
- UIHC - University of Iowa Health Care
- UI - The University of Iowa
- UnityPoint Health
- Iowa City Community School District
- RSM US LLP
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.
- John Deere
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Inc.
- HNI Corporation
- Collins Aerospace
"I was able to intern in D.C. for a summer. I had a full-time job before I graduated college. And I don’t think that would have happened if I didn't have the resources here that allowed me to be confident in myself."
Get to know our students
Who are Iowa students? They’re everywhere—on stage, in labs, leading clubs, serving communities, and preparing for meaningful careers.
More than 30,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students call the University of Iowa home. They come from every county in Iowa, all 50 U.S. states, and dozens of countries around the world. Our students bring unique perspectives but share common goals: to grow, to lead, and to make a difference.
Iowa students are future scientists, writers, educators, engineers, musicians, and health care providers. They choose the University of Iowa for its outstanding academic programs, supportive campus culture, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger.
The Iowa Student Experience
In this video, members of the Spring 2025 graduating class reflect on their time at the University of Iowa. They share why they chose the university, how they found academic and social communities that helped them thrive, and thank the people who supported them along the way. From classroom experiences to campus involvement, their stories show how Iowa prepares students with the skills, confidence, and connections to take the next step.
"I spent a lot of time exploring my passions and interests and seeing where those activities took me, but I have found the most fantastic friends."
Supporting Student Success
At the University of Iowa, student success means helping students find their path, stay on track, and graduate ready to make an impact. From first-year experiences and academic coaching to research opportunities, mentorship, and career planning, Iowa offers a wide range of support to help students reach their goals.
Students are surrounded by a community that is invested in their success. Faculty, staff, peer leaders, and advisors work together to provide the tools and encouragement students need to navigate challenges and take full advantage of their college experience.
That commitment is reflected in our strong retention and graduation rates, which continue to exceed national averages.
90.9 %
First-year undergraduate students who returned for their second year (Fall 2024 - Fall 2025)
66.0 %
For undergraduate students who entered the UI in 2021
75.8 %
For undergraduate students who entered the UI in 2019
Additional Data and Resources
Looking for additional information? Explore detailed data and reports about enrollment trends, graduation and retention rates, degree completion, cost of attendance, graduate program outcomes, university policies, and more.