University of Colorado vs University of Iowa

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This article provides a comprehensive comparison between the University of Colorado and the University of Iowa. We’ll delve into various aspects that may impact a student’s decision when choosing the right school, such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

University of Colorado Overview

The University of Colorado (CU) is a public research institution founded in 1876. With its flagship campus in Boulder, CU is well-known for its strong academic programs and beautiful location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

University of Colorado Costs & Tuition

In-state students at CU can expect to pay approximately $12,500 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay around $37,500 per year. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and transportation, bring the total estimated cost of attendance to around $30,000 for in-state students and $55,000 for out-of-state students.

University of Colorado Admissions

CU has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 82%. Prospective students should have a strong academic record, including a high school GPA of 3.6-4.0 and competitive SAT or ACT scores.

University of Colorado Degrees Offered

CU offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, including engineering, business, education, and the arts and sciences. Some of the most popular majors at CU include psychology, business administration, and biology.

University of Colorado Academics

With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, CU students can expect to receive personalized attention from their professors. The university has a strong commitment to research, with over $500 million in annual research funding.

University of Colorado Diversity

CU has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality.

University of Colorado Students

There are over 35,000 students enrolled at CU, with approximately 28,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students. CU has a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in.

University of Colorado Campus

CU’s scenic campus spans over 600 acres, offering students access to state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful natural surroundings. The university also provides a variety of on-campus housing options and dining services to accommodate its students.

University of Colorado Alumni

CU boasts a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include astronauts, Pulitzer Prize winners, and CEOs of major corporations.

University of Colorado Rankings

CU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, CU ranked #103 in National Universities and #46 in Top Public Schools.

University of Colorado Outcomes

Graduates of CU have a strong track record of success, with a 73% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $47,000.

University of Iowa Overview

The University of Iowa (UI) is a public research university founded in 1847, located in Iowa City. UI is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in healthcare and the arts.

University of Iowa Costs & Tuition

In-state students at UI can expect to pay around $9,800 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay approximately $33,000 per year. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and transportation, bring the total estimated cost of attendance to around $25,000 for in-state students and $48,000 for out-of-state students.

University of Iowa Admissions

UI has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 84%. Prospective students should have a strong academic record, including a high school GPA of 3.5-4.0 and competitive SAT or ACT scores.

University of Iowa Degrees Offered

UI offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, and the arts and sciences. Some popular majors at UI include business, nursing, and psychology.

University of Iowa Academics

UI has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling students to receive personalized attention from their professors. The university is also recognized for its research, with over $600 million in annual research funding.

University of Iowa Diversity

UI has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality.

University of Iowa Students

There are over 32,000 students enrolled at UI, with approximately 24,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. UI offers a range of clubs, organizations, and events for students to engage in, creating a lively campus atmosphere.

University of Iowa Campus

UI’s picturesque campus spans over 1,700 acres, offering students access to modern facilities and a beautiful natural environment. The university provides a variety of on-campus housing options and dining services to accommodate its students.

University of Iowa Alumni

UI has a strong alumni network, with over 275,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, influential business leaders, and renowned artists.

University of Iowa Rankings

In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UI ranked #88 in National Universities and #34 in Top Public Schools.

University of Iowa Outcomes

UI graduates have a solid record of success, with a 73% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $45,000.

University of Colorado vs University of Iowa Cost Comparison

When comparing costs, in-state students will find the University of Iowa to be more affordable, with tuition and fees of $9,800 per year, compared to $12,500 at the University of Colorado. For out-of-state students, the difference in cost is narrower, with UI’s tuition and fees at $33,000 per year and CU’s at $37,500.

University of Colorado vs University of Iowa Admissions Difficulty

Both universities have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 82% at CU and 84% at UI. While both schools require a strong academic record and competitive test scores, there is no significant difference in admissions difficulty between the two schools.

University of Colorado vs University of Iowa Academic Difficulty

With similar student-to-faculty ratios (17:1 at CU and 16:1 at UI), students can expect personalized attention from their professors at both universities. Both schools are research-focused, with CU receiving over $500 million in annual research funding and UI receiving over $600 million.

University of Colorado vs University of Iowa Outcome Comparison

Graduates from both universities have impressive outcomes, with a 73% graduation rate at both schools. The average starting salary for CU graduates is slightly higher at $47,000, compared to $45,000 for UI graduates.