UIU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at UIU is 54.2%.  Its admission rate is the 4th lowest in Iowa.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into UIU and can you get accepted?

UIU is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 762 out of the 1,405 who applied were admitted.

Upper Iowa University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.34. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the lower half of their high school class. 28% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into UIU?

54% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Upper Iowa University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.34 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 970 on the SAT
• Score 21 on the ACT

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Upper Iowa University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into UIU are to have around a 3.34 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as UIU accepts 54% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at UIU is 3.34 on the 4.0 scale. 21% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #23 in Iowa for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Upper Iowa University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at UIU is 970 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 890-1050. Students who get into Upper Iowa University score in the top 79 percent of all SAT test takers..  UIU ranks #21 in the state of Iowa for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 970 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. UIU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 890 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 890, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 810, but scores this low are outside the normal range. 12 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.

View other colleges which accept students in the 970 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 970, you have around a 54% chance of being admitted. A 1050 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 69% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into UIU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to UIU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24.  The school ranks #17 in Iowa for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.

45 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Upper Iowa University.

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into UIU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 54% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 69% with a 24 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

53% of Upper Iowa University freshman are in the lower half of their high school graduating class.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Upper Iowa University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Upper Iowa University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because UIU is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.34 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 970 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1050 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 21 on the ACT places you in a strong position.