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PrivateRural

Upper Iowa University

UIU

Fayette, Iowa 52142-1857

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Business-focusedRural

Known for business

Upper Iowa University is a private institution in Fayette with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 929, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2K undergraduates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.

41% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $52,766 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,172.

Established
1857
Motto
Deo Duce
Type
Private university
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

44 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Tour

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93%Acceptance
929SAT Avg
2,021Students
22:1Student:Faculty
41%Grad Rate
$52,766Earnings 10yr
$23,172Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate93.4%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 929

Reading & WritingMid: 490
500590
MathMid: 470
470570

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 21
1421

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$19,000
Room & Board$9,770
Books & Supplies$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance$48,422
Average Net Price$23,172
Median Debt at Graduation$25,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$265

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$27,503
$30–48K$19,324
$48–75K$19,842
$75–110K$21,127
$110K+$25,690

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

51.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$18,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

12

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

2

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

1

Motor Vehicle Theft

2

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

4

Drug Arrests

3

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (73)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

59%

Below Average

Student Body

Undergrads
2,021
Gender Split
58% / 42%
Women / Men
First Generation
45%
Pell Grant Recipients
33%

Race & Ethnicity

White 61%
Black 17%
Hispanic 9%
Asian 2%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 4%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate41.5%
Freshman Retention59.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$48,776
10 Years$52,766

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • History Alexander-Dickman Hall, built in 1855, is the oldest building on the Fayette Campus and constructed of native limestone.
  • In 1854, Elizabeth Alexander, a pioneer living near what is now Fayette, Iowa, proposed the idea of a college to her husband, Robert, who donated $10,000 toward the cause.
  • In 1856, the first Board of Trustees meeting was held; articles of Incorporation were adopted; and classes began January 7, 1857.
  • The university was affiliated with the Methodist Church until 1928.
  • In 1861, a company of male students and faculty members enlisted in the Army to fight in the American Civil War.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

89Low

Estimated from IA state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Minneapolispop. 430K
165 mi(286 min)
Milwaukeepop. 570K
197 mi(341 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
223 mi(387 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MSP Minneapolis-St Paul158 mi
MKE Milwaukee198 mi
ORD Chicago O'Hare207 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1053 mi · ~30h 25m drive
New York, NY927 mi · ~26h 47m drive
Hartford, CT978 mi · ~28h 15m drive
Providence, RI1041 mi · ~30h 4m drive
Albany, NY914 mi · ~26h 24m drive
Syracuse, NY791 mi · ~22h 51m drive
Rochester, NY717 mi · ~20h 43m drive
Buffalo, NY654 mi · ~18h 54m drive
Philadelphia, PA883 mi · ~25h 31m drive
Pittsburgh, PA631 mi · ~18h 14m drive
Harrisburg, PA790 mi · ~22h 49m drive
Newark, NJ918 mi · ~26h 31m drive
Washington, DC816 mi · ~23h 34m drive
Baltimore, MD827 mi · ~23h 53m drive
Atlanta, GA745 mi · ~21h 31m drive
Charlotte, NC788 mi · ~22h 46m drive
Raleigh, NC855 mi · ~24h 42m drive
Miami, FL1350 mi · ~39h drive
Orlando, FL1146 mi · ~33h 6m drive
Tampa, FL1154 mi · ~33h 20m drive
Nashville, TN533 mi · ~15h 24m drive
New Orleans, LA896 mi · ~25h 53m drive
Richmond, VA840 mi · ~24h 16m drive
Chicago, IL223 mi · ~6h 27m drive
Detroit, MI446 mi · ~12h 53m drive
Minneapolis, MN165 mi · ~4h 46m drive
St. Louis, MO303 mi · ~8h 45m drive
Kansas City, MO296 mi · ~8h 33m drive
Indianapolis, IN361 mi · ~10h 26m drive
Columbus, OH497 mi · ~14h 21m drive
Cleveland, OH525 mi · ~15h 10m drive
Milwaukee, WI197 mi · ~5h 41m drive
Dallas, TX746 mi · ~21h 33m drive
Houston, TX925 mi · ~26h 43m drive
Austin, TX928 mi · ~26h 49m drive
San Antonio, TX998 mi · ~28h 50m drive
Los Angeles, CA1546 mi · ~44h 40m drive
San Francisco, CA1641 mi · ~47h 24m drive
San Diego, CA1543 mi · ~44h 35m drive
Seattle, WA1512 mi · ~43h 41m drive
Portland, OR1532 mi · ~44h 15m drive
Denver, CO717 mi · ~20h 43m drive
Phoenix, AZ1274 mi · ~36h 48m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1042 mi · ~30h 6m drive
Honolulu, HI4034 mi · ~116h 32m drive
Upper Midwest / Northeast (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

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