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The University of Iowa is one of America's premier public research universities.

Founded in 1847, it is the state's oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City.

A member of the Association of American Universities since 1909 and the Big Ten Conference since 1899, the University of Iowa is home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centers in the country, as well as globally recognized leadership in the study and craft of writing. Iowa is known for excellence in both the arts and sciences, offering world-class undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs in a wide variety of fields. 

32,199

Total enrollment, Fall 2024

5,208

number of undergraduate students, class of 2028

3.83

Median GPA, Class of 2028

Enrollment, Fall 2024

Type of studentEnrollment
Undergraduate   22,738  
Graduate   6,164  
Professional students   1,877  
Postgraduate scholars   1,420  
Total   32,199  

Enrollment by race/ethnicity

Race/ethnicityEnrollment count% of total
African American or Black   901   2.8%  
Alaskan Native or American Indian   64   0.2%  
Asian American   1,577   4.9%  
Hispanic or Latinx   2,575   8.0%  
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander   32   0.1%  
Two or more races   1,094   3.4%  
International   1,770   5.5%  

U.S. News & World Report rankings

As a top public research university, Iowa continues to lead. View our latest rankings.

# 46

Best Public Universities

# 1

public university for "Writing in the Disciplines"

35

consecutive years ranked as one of the best academic hospitals in the U.S.

# 1

Public University for Nursing

Mission

Upon its founding in 1847, the University of Iowa was entrusted by the state legislature with a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. In pursuing that mission today, the university 

provides exceptional teaching and transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success and fulfillment in an increasingly diverse and global environment;  

advances scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; and 

brings learning and discovery into the service of the people of the state of Iowa, the nation, and the world, improving lives through education, health care, arts and culture, and community and economic vitality. 

Vision

The University of Iowa will be the destination of first choice for talented students, faculty, and staff from wide ranging backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, who will craft new chapters of exploration, discovery, creation, and engagement. Together, we will advance the university’s standing as one of the most distinguished public flagship universities in the country.

Core values

Our core values frame both who we are and who we aspire to be as a university community.  As we plan, set priorities, and make daily decisions about how to carry out our mission, we are guided by these five interdependent commitments: 

Creativity

We discover new ways to see the world and make it better.  

We are dedicated to pursuing new knowledge and artistic creation and using those discoveries to have a transformative impact on our state and in our local, national, and global communities.

Community

We are committed to collaboration and active engagement.  

We value the contributions of every individual, while recognizing that our greatest successes come when we work together toward creative contributions—often across disciplines and departments, and often with community partners.

Excellence

We expect the best from ourselves in all that we do. 

We measure ourselves by exacting standards, honor high aspiration and achievement, and expect all members of the university community to strive for excellence. 

Inclusion

We welcome and respect all members of our community. 

We are committed to ensuring access, respecting differences, and fostering a supportive environment where all individuals are valued, empowered, and encouraged to contribute to our shared success.

Integrity

We are honest, fair, respectful, and ethical. 

We hold ourselves to the highest standard of professional and scholarly ethics, are accountable for our decisions and actions, exercise responsible stewardship of the resources with which we are entrusted, and treat one another with honesty and fairness. 

19 %

first-generation students

1 st

public school to admit men and women on an equal basis

1 st

school to officially endorse an LGBT student group (in 1970)

Administration

For more information on University of Iowa leadership, governance, and strategic vision, visit the Office of the President's website.

Office of the President