Iowa vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Iowa is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting); Carroll University is in Waukesha, WI (Small City setting).
• University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Iowa 16:1; Carroll University 14:1.

Iowa vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iowa or Carroll University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Iowa than Carroll University ($21,765 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Iowa are 9.5% lower than at Carroll University ($12,920 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 244.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $27,607 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Carroll University than at University of Iowa (about $5,519 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at University of Iowa (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 159.8% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($25,634 vs. $9,865).

Iowa vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iowa or Carroll University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carroll University and Iowa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Iowa (1230) is 70 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming Iowa students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Carroll University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 1130/1330; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 21/28; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iowa - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at Iowa vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

Iowa vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iowa and Carroll University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Iowa's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $5,384 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($21,616 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($223 vs. $279).
• More Carroll University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.