University of Iowa (UIowa) vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that differentiate these two esteemed universities. Discover the variations in acceptance rates, tuition fees, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you seek a vibrant urban setting or a charming college town atmosphere, our detailed analysis will guide you towards the institution that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	University of Iowa	University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Overview
Location	Iowa City, Iowa	Lincoln, Nebraska
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	88.0%	80.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	86.2%	81.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1130 - 1350	1090 - 1320
ACT range	22 - 29	22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	18.0%	8.0%
Students submitting ACT score	65.0%	85.0%
Total number of applicants	22,434	17,775
Total number of admissions given out	19,340	14,411
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,521	4,736
Yield rate	23.4%	32.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,686 Out of state: $46,649	In state: $26,316 Out of state: $43,446
Average net price	$17,599	$18,403
Tuition	In state: $8,356 Out of state: $30,319	In state: $7,770 Out of state: $24,900
Room & board	$11,780	Room/dormitory: $7,485 Meal plan: $4,653
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	71.0% Average amount $11,007	96.0% Average amount $8,608
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,282	34.0% Average amount $4,691
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $16,747	5.0% Average amount $13,909

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	21,608 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%	19,552 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
Graduate students	8,301 Men 46.1% Women 53.9%	4,879 Men 49.2% Women 50.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	39.4%	25.7%
International students	5.4%	7.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,660	6,936
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Iowa Illinois Minnesota Wisconsin California	Nebraska Illinois Minnesota Kansas Iowa

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Engineering Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	73.7%	66.4%
Dropout rate	7.2%	10.7%
Transferred out	17.7%	21.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $125,938 Year 2: $134,155 Year 3: $142,171 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $85,649 Year 2: $112,215 Year 3: $121,442 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,222 Year 2: $96,991 Year 3: $113,045 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,534 Year 2: $103,913 Year 3: $108,049 Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,863 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $81,687 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $61,283 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $81,057 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,973 Year 2: $69,657 Year 3: $80,787 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,231 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $80,592 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,094 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $78,583 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,942 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $71,106	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,695 Year 2: $91,017 Year 3: $102,607 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,888 Year 2: $78,134 Year 3: $86,893 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,533 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $86,584 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,494 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $78,265 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,969 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $75,873 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,040 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $74,823 Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $72,325 Year 3: $73,798 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,124 Year 2: $58,402 Year 3: $73,111 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,572 Year 2: $66,168 Year 3: $72,183 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,299 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $71,063

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. However, the University of Iowa is particularly strong in its writing programs, including the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and its medical and health sciences programs. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln excels in agricultural sciences, engineering, and business. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
How do the campus environments compare at the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The University of Iowa has a more urban campus environment, located in Iowa City, a vibrant college town with a strong arts and culture scene. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a more traditional, spacious campus in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering a more classic collegiate feel. Both campuses are generally considered safe and welcoming.
What is the cost of attendance like at the University of Iowa versus the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between the two universities. However, specific costs can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state), the chosen program of study, and living arrangements. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information, including potential financial aid opportunities.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at these two universities?

Both universities offer a robust student life experience. The University of Iowa has a strong emphasis on arts and culture, with numerous performance venues and art galleries. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly its football team, and offers a wide array of student organizations and activities. Consider what types of activities you enjoy and what kind of campus culture you are looking for.
What are the athletic programs like at the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

Both universities compete in the Big Ten Conference, offering exciting athletic programs. The University of Iowa is known for its wrestling and football programs, while the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is renowned for its dominant football and volleyball programs. Both schools provide excellent opportunities for student athletes and enthusiastic fans.
What are the career services and opportunities like at each university?

Both universities provide comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. The University of Iowa benefits from its location in a growing area with opportunities in healthcare, writing, and technology. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has strong connections to agricultural, engineering, and business industries in the region. Research the specific career paths you are interested in to determine which university offers the best resources and connections for your goals.
How does the size of the student body compare at the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

Both universities have large student bodies, offering a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln generally has a slightly larger undergraduate enrollment than the University of Iowa. However, both universities provide opportunities for students to connect with peers and build a strong sense of community.
What are the housing options like at the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. The University of Iowa provides a range of residence halls and apartments, while the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers similar options. Both universities also have resources to help students find off-campus housing. It's advisable to apply for housing early, especially if you prefer on-campus living.
How accessible are the campuses for students with disabilities?

Both the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are committed to providing accessible campuses for students with disabilities. Both universities have dedicated offices and resources to support students with disabilities, including accommodations, assistive technology, and accessible facilities. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the respective disability services offices for specific information and support.
What is the overall reputation of each university?

Both the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are well-regarded institutions. The University of Iowa is recognized for its strong writing programs and medical school, while the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is known for its agricultural and engineering programs. Both universities are highly respected within the Big Ten Conference and nationally, offering a quality education and a positive college experience.

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