Upper Iowa University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Upper Iowa University (UIU) is 54.23%. This means that 54 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Upper Iowa University Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the UIU is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Upper Iowa University Admission Requirements
UIU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UIU is 3.2. It means that UIU is selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.2, UIU requires you to be above average in your class. You need to score more A's than B's in your classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.2 and higher than 2.9 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 2.8 GPA, to secure admission at UIU. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into UIU Without SAT Or ACT?: Upper Iowa University requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Upper Iowa University (UIU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Upper Iowa University Average SAT Score: 1065
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Upper Iowa University is 1065 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Upper Iowa University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1065 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1050 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Upper Iowa University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 890, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UIU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Upper Iowa University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 485 | 460 | 510 |
SAT Reading | 485 | 430 | 540 |
SAT Composite | 1065 | 890 | 1050 |
It means that if you have scored less than 890 then you are below most of the admitted students at UIU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1050 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Upper Iowa University (UIU) with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Upper Iowa University (UIU) are good but the admission staff at UIU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Upper Iowa University (UIU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UIU is 21.
Upper Iowa University ACT Competitiveness

This score makes Upper Iowa University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
Upper Iowa University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
ACT English | 19 | 15 | 23 |
ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 24 |
Can I get into Upper Iowa University with a 24 ACT?
With a 24 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Upper Iowa University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Upper Iowa University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 21.UIU Profile
Name: Upper Iowa University (UIU)
City: Fayette
URL: https://www.uiu.edu/
State: Iowa
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 52142-1857
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from UIU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Upper Iowa University is USD: 48044. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Upper Iowa University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
34.38% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 53.86 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UIU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Upper Iowa University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UIU as your choice in the form.
How much a UIU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the UIU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 52766. An average UIU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Upper Iowa University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Upper Iowa University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1025 | 20 |
Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Upper Iowa University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Upper Iowa University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Upper Iowa University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Criminology
Full list of All degree programs offered by Upper Iowa University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.