About
Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university in Fayette, Iowa. Founded in 1857, it is the oldest university in Iowa west of the Mississippi River. UIU offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is known for its innovative teaching methods and its commitment to student success.
UIU is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Upper Iowa University has an enrollment of 3,000+ students, an acceptance rate of 65%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
UIU is committed to student success. The university offers varied support services to help students succeed, including tutoring, academic advising, and financial aid. UIU also has a strong alumni network providing support and guidance to current students. The average annual tuition fee for international students at Upper Iowa University is $18,000 - $23,000.
UIU is a great choice for students looking for a quality education at an affordable price. The university offers flexible learning options and a supportive environment. Upper Iowa University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #127-166 Regional Universities Midwest.
Top Reasons to Study in the Upper Iowa University
- UIU’s innovative teaching methods emphasize student engagement and active learning.
- UIU’s commitment to student success is evident in its high graduation rates and its strong alumni network.
- UIU’s affordability makes it a great option for students who are looking for a quality education without breaking the bank.
- UIU’s beautiful campus is located in a small town in northeast Iowa.
- UIU’s diverse student body comes from all over the world.
Admissions
How to Apply at Upper Iowa University
UNDERGRADUATE
An international freshman student applying to Upper Iowa University should submit the following documents:
- Complete the online application
- Submit official transcripts for secondary schools and any university/college(s) that you have attended. All transcripts must be in English.
- Submit proof of English proficiency.
- Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.
- Submit financial documents as evidence of your ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year.
- Pay the deposit.
POSTGRADUATE
An international graduate student applying to Upper Iowa University should submit the following documents:
- Complete the online application
- Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope for all colleges/universities that you have attended. These transcripts must show that you have completed an undergraduate program (baccalaureate degree) and your cumulative GPA (or the foreign equivalent).
- Submit proof of English proficiency.
- Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.
- Submit financial documents as evidence of your ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year.
- Pay the deposit.
Documents Required to Apply to Upper Iowa University
Documents to be submitted as an international applicant at Upper Iowa University for undergraduate or graduate programs are:
- Completed Online Application.
- Official Transcripts.
- English Proficiency Test Scores.
- Copy of Passport's Biographical Page.
- Financial Documents.
- Deposit.
Exams Accepted By Upper Iowa University
Undergraduate International Students:
- TOEFL iBT: 61 or higher; PBT: 500 or higher.
- IELTS: 5.0 or higher.
- Duolingo: 83 or higher.
- PTE: 44 or higher.
- SAT: minimum critical reading sub-score of 430 or higher
- ACT: minimum English sub-score of 18 or higher.
Graduate International Students:
- TOEFL iBT: 79 or higher; PBT: 550 or higher.
- IELTS: 6.0 or higher.
- Duolingo: 97 or higher.
- PTE: 48 or higher.
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
There are several ways to travel around Fayette, Iowa:
- The Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) EARL Transit Program provides door-to-door service in the Northeast corner counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek. All rides are open to the general public, including persons with disabilities. EARL Public Transit vehicles are ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. To ride EARL Transit, you must first call the EARL Transit office to schedule a ride. The fare for a one-way ride on EARL Transit is $2.00. There is a reduced fare of $1.00 for seniors (65 and over) and people with disabilities. Children under 5 years old ride free.
- Taxi: There are a few taxi companies in Fayette. The fares vary, so you should call to get a quote.
- Uber or Lyft: These ride-hailing services are available in Fayette. The fares are usually lower than taxis.
- Bicycle: Fayette is a small town, so it is easy to get around by bicycle. There are several bike paths and trails in the area.
- Walking: Fayette is a very walkable town, with many downtown businesses within walking distance of each other.
Services offered by the university
Upper Iowa University offers various services to its students, including:
- Academic Advising: The university offers academic advising to all students. Advisors can help students choose courses, develop a degree plan, and stay on track to graduate.
- Career Services: The university's Career Services office offers services to help students find jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. These services include resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
- Disability Services: The university's Disability Services office provides accommodations to students with disabilities, including extended time on exams, note-takers, or assistive technology.
- Financial Aid: The university's Financial Aid office helps students apply for financial assistance, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Health Services: The university's Health Services Center provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students.
- Campus Safety: UIU is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, and staff. The university has several safety measures in place, including a 24/7 security department, emergency call boxes, and a lighting system.
- Transportation: UIU offers a shuttle service to and from the Cedar Rapids airport and Iowa City and Coralville bus stations. The university also has a bike share program and a bus system that runs on campus.
Student life at Upper Iowa University
- Join A Club Or Organisation: There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus, so there's sure to be something for everyone. From academic clubs to fraternities and sororities, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
- Participate In Sports: Upper Iowa University offers a variety of intercollegiate sports, including men's and women's basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball. There are also intramural sports leagues for students of all skill levels.
- Volunteer In The Community: Upper Iowa University is committed to giving back to the community. There are many opportunities to volunteer, such as working at a soup kitchen, helping out at a local animal shelter, or tutoring elementary school students.
- Attend Events: Upper Iowa University hosts several events throughout the year, such as concerts, dances, and sporting events. These are a great way to have fun and get to know other students.
On campus accomodation at Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University offers three types of on-campus housing:
- Traditional residence halls are the primary living area for incoming freshmen students. Garbee Hall is the largest residence hall and is divided into North and South sides. North Tower has 2 ½ floors for women and South Tower has 4 floors for men. Each floor has a laundry facility, community bathrooms, and a community lounge.
- Suite-style housing is available for upperclassmen. South Village 1, South Village 2, and South Village 3 are three suite-style buildings that house about 30 students per floor. Each suite has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living room. There is also a laundry facility on each floor.
- Apartment-style housing is also available for upperclassmen. Lee Towers is an apartment building that has six apartments. Each apartment has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.
All on-campus housing options are furnished and include wireless internet access.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
Some facts about the Upper Iowa University faculty:
- There are 56 full-time faculty members and 217 part-time faculty members.
- The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
- The average faculty member has 15 years of teaching experience.
- 70% of the faculty members have a terminal degree.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Internship opportunities at Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University offers some internship and part-time job opportunities for students. Here are some of the available opportunities:
- Internships: Upper Iowa University has partnerships with 300+ organizations in the region, so students can find internships in their field of study. Internships are usually unpaid, but some may offer a stipend or academic credit.
- Part-Time Jobs: Upper Iowa University offers some part-time jobs on campus, such as student worker, resident assistant, and teaching assistant. These jobs usually pay minimum wage or higher.
To find internship and part-time job opportunities at Upper Iowa University, you can visit the following websites:
- Handshake is the university's online job board where you can search for open positions.
- Office of Career Development can help you with your internship and job search, including providing resume and cover letter help, mock interviews, and networking opportunities.
Placement of Upper Iowa University
Placement: According to the 2021-2022 Graduate Outcomes Report from Upper Iowa University, 95.7% of graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
Hiring Companies: The top 10 employers of Upper Iowa University graduates are:
- Badger Logistics
- Collins Aerospace
- CUNA Mutual
- Edward Jones Investments
- John Deere Financial
- Principal Financial Group
- Target
- United States Service Branches
- AmeriCorps
- Business for Social Responsibility
Salaries: The average starting salary for Upper Iowa University graduates is $45,000. However, salaries vary depending on the degree program and the specific job.
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Last updated August 14, 2026