The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, Iowa, is a large public research institution that enrolls nearly 31,000 students. The school has a moderately selective acceptance rate of about 86%, making admission competitive but possible for qualified applicants. The University of Iowa is well-known for its programs in Health Sciences, Business, and Liberal Arts. The school has an average graduation rate of 70%, while graduates of the University of Iowa enjoy early career salaries of approximately ?35–40 lakhs annually (£30,000–34,000).
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, located in Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, is a large public research institution that enrolls nearly 50,000 students. The school has a moderately selective acceptance rate of about 36%, making admission highly competitive. The University of Illinois is well-known for its programs in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science. The school has an average graduation rate of 85%, while graduates of the University of Illinois enjoy early career salaries of approximately ?60–65 lakhs annually (£50,000–55,000).
| University of Iowa | University of Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.2 Out of 10 | 5.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 530 QS World University 2026 # 160 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 251 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 334 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 # 254 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 74 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 251 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 36 for Law by US News 2025 | # 201 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 119 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 169 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -83 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -66 | UG Programs -89 PG Programs -57 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 84.7 % | 78.5 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-7 SAT-1140 TOEFL-100 | GMAT-600 GRE-299 IELTS-6.5 PTE-54 SAT-1080 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 32408 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 13418 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 21888 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 44758 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 24738 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29000 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | 96% of the students of the business school of the university were employed within six months of graduation with a median salary of $52,000. Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Science: $96,000 Bachelor of Science: $90,000 Bachelor of Arts: $85,000 Other Degree: $61,000 | Graduate Employability: 161-170 (2020). |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit entrance exam scores Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements | Applicants must have scores requirements: 66-91 (based on program). You are also required to fulfill country-specific requirements. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 7 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 8 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 451 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 251 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 81/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 54/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -31500 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Oct 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake) Feb 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Apr 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) | Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Sep 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Iowa | University of Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1847 | 1867 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 11:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 52% Female | 49% Male, 50% Female |
| Location Facts | The University of Iowa's main campus is located in Iowa City. The campus is roughly bordered by Park Road and U.S. Highway 6 to the north and Dubuque and Gilbert Streets to the east. The Iowa River flows through the campus, dividing it into west and east sides. | Located among culturally rich neighborhoods of Pilsen, Chinatown, Southloop, Little Italy, West loop, Greektown, is a 15-minute walk from downtown Chicago. It is highly accessible through public transport stops. |
| Library | The University of Iowa library system is the state's largest library and comprises the Main Library, the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, five branch libraries, and the Law Library. The University Libraries' holdings include more than five million bound volumes, more than 200,000 rare books, and 1000 historical manuscript collections. | Total ebooks: 504,341. Databases: 634. Journals:60,000 are all housed together in 5 university libraries. The library also has a special and university archives collectiom. |
| Campus Life | Student Life is a one-stop resource for events, student clubs and organizations, community resources, and student support. You can live just a short walk or bus ride away from the heart of campus with your fellow first-year students in Iowa's residence halls. There are over 500 student organizations, including groups focused on politics, sports, games, lifestyles, dance, song, theater, and a variety of other activities. The University of Iowa has 20 varsity athletic teams, known as the Hawkeyes. All teams are members of the Big Ten Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. In 2004 the university established an annual $25,000 contract with the newly reopened Iowa City Englert Theatre to host concerts and performances for as many as 40 nights a year. Students participate in a variety of student media organizations. | Chicago’s only public university offers a pop-up pantry, wellness center, a gallery, theatre, student-run radio show, NCAA competing sports teams to indulge in. IT hosts free back to school concert, free comedy show during spring, The university has over 300 student organizations offering a number of opportunities to chose from. |
| Hostel | #On campus - $10450 #Off campus (with family) - $2850 #Off campus (not with family) - $8588 | #Housing and Food Expenses - $14400 #Housing and Food Expenses - $14600 |
| Famous Alumni | James Cartwright, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff George Gallup, founder of Gallup Poll Silas B. Hays, former Surgeon General of the United States Army Ashton Kutcher, actor Tennessee Williams, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright | Carol Moseley Braun (Former US Senator), Bernard Shaw (American Journalist), Bobby Rush (US representative), Justin Hartley (actor), Joanne McCarthy (baseball player), Adrian Smith (architect), Azhar Usman (Comedian), James Thompson (former governor Illinois). |
| City Life | Iowa City is a town in Iowa with a population of 74,240. Iowa City is in Johnson County and is one of the best places to live in Iowa. Living in Iowa City offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Iowa City there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Home to attractions such as The University of Iowa and The Old Capitol Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Iowa City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Kalona Historical Village and Studio Arts. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Iowa City has something for everyone! | Chicago is the 3rd most populous city, 3rd largest gross metropolitan product and 2nd largest central business district in USA. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Home to several Fortune 500 companies (such as Boeing, McDonald's, Walgreens, Kraft Heinz, etc.). Famous landmarks include Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, etc. The unemployment rate as high as 17.5% (April’ 2020). |
| Weather |
University of Iowa vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026):
The University of Iowa is included among the top national public universities in the United States, known for its research capabilities and a variety of academic programs. It has a strong reputation for its Health Sciences, Business, and Liberal Arts programs. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is included among the top national public universities in the United States and globally ranked among the top 100?150 universities. It is known for its research capabilities and a variety of academic programs, with strong reputations in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science.
General Information:
The University of Iowa is a large public research university, located on an urban campus in Iowa City, Iowa, with over 200 offered degrees, and serves more than 31,000 students. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a large public research university, located on an urban campus in Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, with over 300 offered degrees, and serves more than 50,000 students.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions:
The University of Iowa has a moderately selective admission process with an acceptance rate around 86%, and receives a significant volume of in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a moderately selective admission process with an acceptance rate around 36%, and receives a significant volume of in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants.
Research Impact & Facilities:
The University of Iowa is a Carnegie R1 research university with considerable research funding in Health Sciences, Business, and Liberal Arts. It operates modern labs, research centers, and collaborates with partners regionally and internationally. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a Carnegie R1 research university with considerable funding, major research labs, and global partnerships, especially in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science.
Cost & Financial Aid:
For international students, the University of Iowa’s tuition averages between US$34,390 per year. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s tuition averages between US$39,392 per year. Both universities offer scholarships and financial aid for international students, including merit and need-based awards.
Career Destinations & Graduates’ Success:
University of Iowa graduates usually enter Health Sciences, Business, and Liberal Arts roles, benefitting from strong regional and national networks. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates tend to move into Engineering, Business, and Computer Science sectors, benefiting from the university’s research reputation, global alumni network, and strong career placement opportunities.
