Choosing the right university can be a challenging decision. In this article, we will compare two popular educational institutions: the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri-Columbia. We will provide an in-depth analysis of each school’s costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Iowa Overview
The University of Iowa is a public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa. Established in 1847, it is the oldest university in the state and is well-known for its strong programs in health sciences, creative writing, and engineering. The university enrolls over 32,000 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, ensuring personalized attention for its students.
Iowa Costs & Tuition
The University of Iowa has a relatively affordable tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students have a tuition rate of $9,830, while out-of-state students pay $31,793. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, can add up to $15,000-$20,000 per year.
Iowa Admissions
Admissions at the University of Iowa are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 83%. The university considers several factors for admission, including high school GPA, class rank, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and the rigor of the applicant’s high school curriculum. Successful applicants typically have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT score of 22 or higher.
Iowa Degrees Offered
The University of Iowa offers over 200 majors, minors, and certificate programs for undergraduate students. Some of the most popular programs include business, engineering, health sciences, liberal arts, and education. The university also offers a wide range of graduate and professional degrees in various disciplines, including law, medicine, and dentistry.
Iowa Academics
The University of Iowa is known for its strong academic programs and a commitment to research. The university has 12 colleges and schools, offering a diverse range of study options for undergraduate and graduate students. Class sizes are relatively small, with an average class size of 32 students. The university also boasts a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and opportunities for mentorship.
Iowa Diversity
The University of Iowa has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and offers various resources and support services for students from different backgrounds. Approximately 19% of the student population identifies as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group.
Iowa Students
Students at the University of Iowa have a wide range of opportunities for involvement on campus. With over 500 student organizations, there is something for everyone, ranging from academic and professional organizations to social and cultural groups. The university also offers a variety of intramural sports and club teams for students interested in athletics.
Iowa Campus
The University of Iowa’s 1,700-acre campus is located in beautiful Iowa City, a vibrant and lively college town. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives in place.
Iowa Alumni
The University of Iowa has a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, and actor Ashton Kutcher. The university’s alumni association offers various resources and networking opportunities for graduates.
Iowa Rankings
The University of Iowa consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university is ranked #88 among national universities and #34 among public institutions. The university also ranks highly in specific programs, such as creative writing and health sciences.
Iowa Outcomes
Graduates of the University of Iowa have a strong track record of success in the job market and further education. According to the university’s data, 92% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a University of Iowa graduate is $47,000.
University of Missouri-Columbia Overview
The University of Missouri-Columbia, also known as Mizzou, is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. Founded in 1839, it is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System. Mizzou is known for its strong programs in journalism, agriculture, and engineering. The university enrolls over 30,000 students and has a student-faculty ratio of 18:1.
University of Missouri-Columbia Costs & Tuition
The University of Missouri-Columbia offers affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students pay a tuition rate of $10,477, while out-of-state students pay $28,348. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, can add up to $15,000-$20,000 per year.
University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions
Admissions at Mizzou are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 78%. Similar to the University of Iowa, Mizzou considers factors such as high school GPA, class rank, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and the rigor of the applicant’s high school curriculum for admission. Successful applicants typically have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT score of 24 or higher.
University of Missouri-Columbia Degrees Offered
Mizzou offers more than 300 degree programs for undergraduate students, with popular majors in journalism, business, agriculture, education, and engineering. The university also provides a wide range of graduate and professional degree programs, including law, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
University of Missouri-Columbia Academics
The University of Missouri-Columbia is a research-intensive institution with 13 colleges and schools. Class sizes at Mizzou are moderately sized, with an average class size of 34 students. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1, slightly higher than the University of Iowa but still allowing for personal attention and mentorship opportunities.
University of Missouri-Columbia Diversity
Mizzou has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion and offers various resources and support services for students from different backgrounds. Approximately 16% of the student population identifies as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group.
University of Missouri-Columbia Students
Students at Mizzou have numerous opportunities for involvement on campus, with over 600 student organizations available. These organizations range from academic and professional groups to social and cultural clubs. Mizzou also offers a variety of intramural sports and club teams for students interested in athletics.
University of Missouri-Columbia Campus
Mizzou’s 1,262-acre campus is located in the heart of Columbia, Missouri, a thriving college town with a vibrant arts and culture scene. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. The university has a commitment to sustainability, with several green initiatives in place.
University of Missouri-Columbia Alumni
Mizzou boasts a strong alumni network of over 300,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include journalist Sam Donaldson, actor Brad Pitt, and former NFL player Kellen Winslow Sr. The university’s alumni association offers various resources and networking opportunities for graduates.
University of Missouri-Columbia Rankings
The University of Missouri-Columbia consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Mizzou is ranked #124 among national universities and #58 among public institutions. The university also has highly-ranked programs in journalism and agriculture.
University of Missouri-Columbia Outcomes
Graduates of Mizzou have a strong track record of success in the job market and further education. According to the university’s data, 90% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a University of Missouri-Columbia graduate is $45,000.
Iowa vs University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri-Columbia, both schools offer affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. The University of Iowa has a slightly lower in-state tuition rate of $9,830 compared to Mizzou’s $10,477. However, Mizzou has a lower out-of-state tuition rate of $28,348, while the University of Iowa’s out-of-state tuition is $31,793. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, are similar for both universities, ranging from $15,000-$20,000 per year.
Iowa vs University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri-Columbia have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 83% and 78% respectively. Both schools consider factors such as high school GPA, class rank, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and the rigor of the applicant’s high school curriculum for admission. Successful applicants typically have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT score of 22 or higher for the University of Iowa and 24 or higher for Mizzou.
Iowa vs University of Missouri-Columbia Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor of both the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri-Columbia is comparable, with both institutions offering strong programs in various fields. The University of Iowa may have slightly smaller class sizes and a lower student-faculty ratio (16:1) compared to Mizzou (18:1), which could potentially offer more personalized attention and mentorship opportunities. However, both schools are research-intensive institutions with a commitment to providing a high-quality education for their students.
Iowa vs University of Missouri-Columbia Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri-Columbia have strong outcomes in terms of employment and further education. According to each university’s data, 92% of University of Iowa graduates and 90% of Mizzou graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a University of Iowa graduate is $47,000, while a University of Missouri-Columbia graduate’s average starting salary is $45,000.
In conclusion, both the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri-Columbia offer excellent educational opportunities, with strong academics, diverse student bodies, and a range of extracurricular activities. When deciding between these two universities, factors such as tuition, location, specific programs, and campus culture should be considered to determine which school is the best fit for you.
