Upper Iowa University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Upper Iowa University is a private research university in Fayette, Iowa, enrolling about 1,994 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 96.46% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $52,766 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $19,475
- 2024 Average Net Price: $20,942 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 96.46% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 1,994 54.8% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 33.89%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
- First-Generation Students: 45.1%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition decrease of 43.5% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 8.1% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
- Average SAT Score: 1090
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,595
- Applicants (IPEDS): 695
- Room & Board: $10,121 annual estimate
Upper Iowa University: what the data shows
Common questions about Upper Iowa University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, IA (ZIP 52142-1857).
Is Upper Iowa University public or private?
Upper Iowa University is a Private Non-profit institution.
How much does Upper Iowa University cost?
Published tuition: $19,475.
Average net price after aid: $20,942.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $17,715 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $22,774 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $18,720 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,041 |
| $110,001+ | $23,805 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $77,900.
How hard is it to get into Upper Iowa University?
Admission rate: 96.46%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1090 and midpoint ACT 21.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Upper Iowa University?
Total enrollment: 1,994 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,595 students.
Graduate enrollment: 887 students.
About 55% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Upper Iowa University?
150%-time completion rate: 33.89%.
First-year retention: 67.7%.
What do graduates of Upper Iowa University earn?
Median earnings: $48,776 six years after entry; $52,766 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $25,000.
31.79% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Upper Iowa University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Business Administration and Management, General (201 completions)
- Elementary Education and Teaching (91 completions)
- Psychology, General (84 completions)
- Accounting (57 completions)
- Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General (51 completions)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (46 completions)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies (41 completions)
- Public Administration and Social Service (40 completions)
- Public Administration (36 completions)
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching (35 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Upper Iowa University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 96.46%; completion rate 33.89%; median earnings $52,766 at 10 years; net price $20,942. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$19,475
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Upper Iowa University was $19,475.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$20,942
2024 Value
In 2024 Upper Iowa University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $20,942.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,768 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$20,942 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$77,900 4-Year Tuition
$10,121 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,025 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$30,621 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$122,484 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Upper Iowa University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
31.79% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
40.46% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Upper Iowa University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Upper Iowa University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $24,400 | $24,400 | $17,602 |
| 2014 | $26,834 | $26,834 | $18,762 |
| 2015 | $28,073 | $28,073 | $17,737 |
| 2016 | $28,890 | $28,890 | $22,405 |
| 2017 | $29,600 | $29,600 | $24,710 |
| 2018 | $30,450 | $30,450 | $21,526 |
| 2019 | $31,685 | $31,685 | $21,624 |
| 2020 | $32,945 | $32,945 | $24,063 |
| 2021 | $33,609 | $33,609 | $24,064 |
| 2022 | $33,639 | $33,639 | $25,219 |
| 2023 | $19,000 | $19,000 | $23,172 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
96.46% Acceptance Rate
695 Total Applicants
649 Students Admitted
158 First-Time Students Enrolled
24.35% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1090
ACT Average: 21
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Upper Iowa University reported total enrollment of about 1,994 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 41% male and 59% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (59.2%), Black or African American (18.1%), and Hispanic or Latino (9.3%). About 31.79% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 45.1% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
54.8% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Upper Iowa University in 2024 is 1,994 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 5,595 students. Graduate enrollment is about 887 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
67.7%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 59.2%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
25.00% 100% Completion Time
33.89% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 25.00% of students graduating from Upper Iowa University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Business Administration and Management, General: 51% male / 49% female
- Elementary Education and Teaching: 12% male / 88% female
- Psychology, General: 24% male / 76% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Upper Iowa University.
Return on Investment
$25,000 Median Student Debt
$52,766 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
47.38% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
529.91% Return on Investment
4.7 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Upper Iowa University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 56 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Business Administration and Management, General: 201 completions
2. Elementary Education and Teaching: 91 completions
3. Psychology, General: 84 completions
4. Accounting: 57 completions
5. Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General: 51 completions
6. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 46 completions
7. Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies: 41 completions
8. Public Administration and Social Service: 40 completions
9. Public Administration: 36 completions
Most popular programs at Upper Iowa University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Upper Iowa University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Upper Iowa University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 100.0%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $6,035
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $4,027
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Upper Iowa University is a private non-profit institution located in Fayette, IA, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Business Administration and Management, General, Elementary Education and Teaching, Psychology, General. Enrollment is approximately 1,994 students. Student body composition includes White (59.2%), Black or African American (18.1%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%). The admission rate is 96.46%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1090. The 150%-time completion rate is 33.89%. Approximately 31.79% of students receive Pell Grants. About 45.1% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
Location
Fayette, IA 52142-1857
Region: Plains
Insights and Analysis
Graduation Rate Considerations: The 33.89% graduation rate at Upper Iowa University falls below the national average. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as academic preparation, support services, and career outcomes when evaluating this institution.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 56 distinct degree programs, Upper Iowa University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Iowa University located?
Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, IA.
What is Upper Iowa University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Upper Iowa University is 96.5% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 695 applicants and 649 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Upper Iowa University cost?
Reported tuition is $19,475 and average net price is $20,942 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $10,121 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 5,595 students, White (59.2%), Black or African American (18.1%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Upper Iowa University?
About 45.1% of students at Upper Iowa University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Upper Iowa University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Upper Iowa University reports midpoint SAT about 1090 and midpoint ACT about 21.
What do graduates of Upper Iowa University earn?
Median earnings are $48,776 six years after entry and $52,766 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Upper Iowa University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 33.9% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Upper Iowa University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $25,000.
Is Upper Iowa University public or private?
Upper Iowa University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fayette, IA.
Is Upper Iowa University an HBCU?
No. Upper Iowa University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Upper Iowa University a tribal college?
No. Upper Iowa University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Iowa college costs
- Iowa colleges by ROI
- Plains regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Iowa
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.