University of Iowa's published cost of attendance is $26,883 per year, including $10,964 in-state tuition, $12,616 for room and board, and $950 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $32,927 tuition, raising total costs significantly.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,596 |
| Tuition and Fees | $33,371 |
| Room and Board | $12,920 |
| Books and Supplies | $950 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,065 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $22,531 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,316 |
| $30–48k | $15,489 |
| $48–75k | $19,930 |
| $75–110k | $23,811 |
| $110k+ | $26,266 |
University of Iowa's published cost of attendance is $26,883 per year, including $10,964 in-state tuition, $12,616 for room and board, and $950 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $32,927 tuition, raising total costs significantly. However, the average student pays $21,398 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,485 from the sticker price.
This net price compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, though University of Iowa's costs run $5,808 higher than similar institutions. The cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with substantial in-state tuition advantages and comprehensive financial aid programs that reduce net costs for most families. Financial aid savings demonstrate the university's commitment to affordability, though families should expect costs above many peer institutions.
University of Iowa enrolls 17.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate economic diversity among public research universities. The $5,485 average discount from sticker price to net price reflects meaningful financial aid distribution across the student body.
Net price reductions are most substantial for lower-income families, with those earning under $30,000 receiving the largest aid packages. The aid structure supports the university's accessibility mission while recognizing financial constraints across income levels.
Aid targeting concentrates benefits toward students with the greatest financial need while providing some support to middle-income families facing college cost pressures. The financial aid approach enables the 17.8% Pell share while maintaining revenue necessary for university operations and academic quality.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Iowa graduates carry median debt of $22,500, with debt levels spanning from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,344 at the 75th percentile. This debt level sits $2,500 above the peer median of $20,000, ranking at the 52nd percentile nationally and reflecting typical borrowing patterns for public research universities.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 indicates manageable debt burdens relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning sufficient income to handle repayment responsibilities. Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $24,284 with monthly payments of $320, representing additional family investment in education.
The debt distribution demonstrates most students graduate with modest borrowing levels, while the minority carrying higher debt amounts can typically manage payments given University of Iowa's strong earnings outcomes. Debt levels remain within sustainable ranges for most graduates, supported by the university's solid employment outcomes and earnings growth over time.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Iowa delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earning $64,762 annually can comfortably manage $22,500 in median debt, with the 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio indicating financial sustainability.
The university's 85.6th percentile ranking for return on investment reflects this favorable relationship between educational costs and post-graduation earnings. Earnings of $4,219 above peer institutions help offset the $5,808 higher net costs, creating positive long-term financial outcomes despite higher upfront investment.
The 22.9% earnings growth from six to ten years after enrollment demonstrates continued career advancement that improves the investment value over time. Strong performance across business, health, and STEM programs supports diverse career pathways with solid financial returns.
