Academic Comparison between ISU and UIU

Iowa State University and Upper Iowa University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. ISU is a four-year, public school located in Ames, IA and UIU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Fayette, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • ISU is a public and UIU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • ISU has more expensive tuition & fees ($28,881) than UIU ($19,475).
  • It is harder to admit to ISU than UIU.
  • ISU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than UIU (21).
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while UIU has 3,941 students.
  • ISU has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while UIU's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,432 faculties while UIU has 35 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.Upper Iowa University
Ames, IowaLocationFayette, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
2025 Tuition & Fees$19,475
73%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$10,270Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,339
88.66 %Acceptance Rates96.46 %
28.84 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)33.94 %
1,250SAT Score-
24ACT Score21
75 %Graduation Rate34 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate36 %
88 %Retention Rate68 %
30,380Student Population3,941
1,432Number of Faculties35
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio25 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services