Bright Scholars of Iowa Award & John Deere Scholars Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
none
Iowa is one of those rare Big Ten schools where the merit picture is actually pretty straightforward. If your student has a solid GPA, they’re likely in the conversation for automatic scholarships—especially for out-of-state families targeting the National Scholars Award. It’s not a “full ride factory,” but it is a place where you can predict costs better than most flagship universities. That alone makes it worth a serious look.
The vibe here leans practical and grounded. This is a classic college-town school where students who show up prepared—good grades, decent course rigor, maybe a test score to strengthen their file—tend to do well both in admissions and in merit. If your student is chasing big competitive scholarships, Iowa isn’t the strongest bet. But if you want a Big Ten experience with clearer, more attainable pricing, this is exactly the kind of school that belongs on your list.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Iowa is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25.5; SAT: 1225.
Average net price? About $17,452/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Iowa 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
Category (2026–2027)
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters)
$10,546
$31,102
Housing & Meals (typical)
$13,076
$13,076
Total (Direct Costs)
$23,622
$44,178
Average Federal Net Price: $17,452 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Discounts & Big Savers:
No MSEP/reciprocity:
Iowa does not participate in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Nonresidents pay the standard rate unless they earn
merit or departmental awards that reduce costs. See our MSEP guide.
Main automatic merit:
Iowa Scholars (in-state) and National Scholars (nonresident) — amounts vary by GPA/test profile.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Is Iowa test-optional?
Yes. Submitting ACT/SAT is optional; strong scores (if submitted) can help scholarship review.
What other typical costs should we plan for?
Books & supplies ≈ $900, transportation ≈ $1,200,
and personal/misc. ≈ $2,600 (not included in the table).
Do border-state discounts exist?
No formal reciprocity. Out-of-state students primarily reduce costs with National Scholars merit and departmental awards.
Sources:
Housing & Dining rates: https://housing.uiowa.edu/costs
Estimated cost of attendance breakdown: https://financialaid.uiowa.edu/cost
Average net price by income (College Scorecard): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?153658-University-of-Iowa=
MSEP participation status: https://msep.mhec.org/institution/university-iowa
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Iowa (2026–2027)
The University of Iowa awards automatic scholarships to out-of-state students based on GPA and test scores. These are guaranteed if you meet the listed criteria, and they do not require a separate scholarship application—just apply for admission by the priority deadline.
Automatic
Iowa Scholars Award (Resident)
📅 Deadline: February 2 (admission application deadline for scholarship consideration) ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$500–$8,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with need-based aid and departmental or external scholarships up to cost of attendance. Iowa Flagship Award, Iowa Scholars Award, and National Scholars Award are mutually exclusive — the highest-value award is applied automatically. Superscores are not used in scholarship consideration.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount is determined holistically based on GPA and standardized test scores; no specific threshold grid is published. Students may submit updated transcripts and official test scores by March 1 for reconsideration. Superscores are explicitly not used.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Iowa residents who apply early and bring a competitive GPA and test score combination. There's no published grid — Iowa evaluates credentials holistically — so your student's exact award will show up in their offer letter. The stronger the academic record, the closer to that $8,500 ceiling you can get.
Automatic
National Scholars Award (NSA)
📅 Deadline: February 2 (admission application deadline for scholarship consideration) ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$15,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with need-based aid and departmental or external scholarships up to cost of attendance. Iowa Flagship Award, Iowa Scholars Award, and NSA are mutually exclusive — the highest-value award is applied automatically. Superscores are not used for scholarship consideration.
💡
Strategic Detail
Replaces the legacy Presidential Scholarship and Old Gold Scholarship nonresident grid as of 2026–2027. Awards range from $2,000 to $15,000 per year for up to four years. Students must also maintain continuous full-time enrollment and continue paying nonresident tuition for renewal. Updated transcript and official test scores may be submitted by March 1 for scholarship reconsideration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Out-of-state students with strong academic profiles — think strong GPA and test scores — who apply by the February 2 deadline. The specific award amount is determined holistically, so there's no published grid; the stronger the credentials, the higher the award. Every eligible nonresident applicant gets a number automatically.
Automatic
Provost Scholarship (National Merit Finalists)
📅 Deadline: Follow National Merit Corporation timelines; designate Iowa as first choice by NMSC deadline. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with need-based aid and many institutional merit and departmental awards, subject to cost-of-attendance limits. Available to both resident and nonresident National Merit Finalists.
💡
Strategic Detail
Available to both resident and nonresident National Merit Finalists. National Merit Scholars must also meet National Merit Corporation standards for renewal. Renewal reviews are conducted each semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who list Iowa as their first choice and enroll full time. This is a straightforward automatic award — if your student earns Finalist status and picks Iowa, the $3,000 per year comes with it, no application required.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Cutoffs are approximate. Iowa publishes GPA/test bands, but the exact threshold can shift slightly each year depending on the applicant pool and funding.*
📌 Strategic Tip: If your student is close to one of the ACT or GPA cutoffs, it’s worth retesting or submitting test scores (even if the school is test-optional). These automatic scholarships can shave thousands off your yearly bill—no essays or extra forms required.
Do we need a separate application? No. Automatic merit comes from your admission file. Apply for admission by the priority deadline and you’ll be reviewed for these awards automatically.
What counts for eligibility? Iowa looks at your unweighted high school GPA and, if you submit them, ACT/SAT scores. Higher academics can place you in a higher award tier.
Test-optional vs. submitting scores? You can be admitted without test scores, but strong ACT/SAT results can help you qualify for bigger automatic awards. If your current score is close to a higher tier, retesting can be worth it.
Can automatic awards stack with other aid? Usually yes. They can stack with need-based grants and many competitive or departmental awards. Always check the stacking notes on each scholarship.
When will we find out? Most automatic awards post with or shortly after the admission decision, then appear in your financial aid package.
These awards are not automatic. They require essays or a separate application and are reviewed for leadership, service, and—sometimes—financial need. Most decisions are released in the spring after admission.
Full TuitionApp Required
Bright Scholars of Iowa Award
📅 Deadline: Typically early March for the following academic year — check current Bright Scholars posting for exact dates. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition/fees scholarship
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Coordinates with state and institutional aid; total aid package may be capped at cost of attendance. FAFSA is required — this award is need-sensitive.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the University of Iowa admission application, file the FAFSA by the Iowa state deadline, and submit a Bright Scholars application through the Iowa Scholarship Portal or Iowa College Aid as directed.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
State-funded flagship award; exact maximum award amount at Iowa can vary by year and available funding. FAFSA is required for consideration. Details and deadlines vary annually — check the Iowa Scholarship Portal for current cycle information.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving Iowa residents with significant financial need who are enrolling at an eligible Iowa college or university, including UI. Think strong students who might otherwise choose a less expensive school — this award is designed to keep Iowa's top talent in Iowa.
Full RideApp Required
John Deere Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Varies by cohort; typically during senior year of high school. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_scholarship
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~20 per cohort year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition, fees, room, and board — a true full ride. Other institutional scholarships may be limited or unavailable to avoid exceeding cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Participate in the Davenport John Deere Scholars high school program, apply and be admitted to the University of Iowa, file the FAFSA, and complete the John Deere Scholars scholarship application including essays, interview, and two letters of recommendation.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Twenty four-year scholarships are awarded per year for three years, covering tuition, fees, room, and board. Restricted to students in the Davenport John Deere Scholars high school pipeline program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Selected Davenport Community School District seniors who are already enrolled in the John Deere Scholars pipeline and demonstrate financial need alongside exceptional academic and leadership credentials. This is a pipeline award — students have to be part of the program to be eligible.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Dollar ranges reflect past recipients. Amounts and deadlines can vary yearly depending on available funding and applicant volume.*
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What makes these “competitive”?
They’re limited-pool awards reviewed on essays, leadership, service, and occasionally financial need. Meeting the baseline doesn’t guarantee selection.
Are they worth applying for?
Yes. Even one-time awards can offset costs significantly, and renewable awards can add thousands over four years. Many can stack with automatic merit.
How do students apply?
Most require the Iowa Scholarship Portal application and short essays; some also request recommendation letters. Deadlines are early—start the portal soon after applying for admission.
How can students improve their odds?
Submit FAFSA, meet every deadline, and write specific essays highlighting measurable impact—what you led, solved, or contributed. Choose recommenders who can provide detailed examples.
When are decisions announced?
Typically between February and April. Results appear in the Iowa Scholarship Portal and/or official financial aid offer.
Not every scholarship at the University of Iowa sits on the main admissions page. Many strong, stackable awards live inside departments, the Iowa Scholarship Portal, ensembles like the Hawkeye Marching Band, and ROTC programs. These smaller pools often mean better odds—especially for students who act early and match the criteria well.
App Required
First-Gen Iowa Support Awards
📅 Deadline: Portal priority Feb–Mar Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be stacked with merit and need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Iowa Scholarship Portal; requires FAFSA and essays.
Selection criteria: Need/leadership/essays.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-gen applicants who complete portal and short essays.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hawkeye Marching Band Award
📅 Deadline: Program-set (spring–summer) ✓ Renews
$500–$750/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded with continued participation each year; stackable.
📄
How to Apply
Band audition and participation; awarded to rostered members each year.
Selection criteria: Audition and participation-based.
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes similar HMB scholarships, not all listed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active, reliable HMB members; all majors eligible.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hawkeye Marching Band Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Program-set (spring–summer) ✓ Renews
$500–$750/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded with ongoing participation; stackable.
📄
How to Apply
Band audition and consistent participation each year.
Selection criteria: Audition and participation-based.
💡
Strategic Detail
Similar to HMB Award; some students may win both.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active participants who audition and meet program commitments.
App Required
Esther Walls Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 (typical) Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,000
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other major/program-awarded funds.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Iowa Scholarship Portal for fine arts, social sciences, or humanities majors.
Selection criteria: Service/leadership in major.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Humanities/arts students with documented campus/community service or leadership.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Ira White Accounting Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 (typical) Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other Band, Tippie, or accounting awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Tippie in the Iowa Scholarship Portal; preference for Iowa residents participating in Marching Band.
Selection criteria: GPA plus preference for HMB.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Accounting majors with HMB experience and good grades.
App Required
Center for the Arts Music Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Audition window (Jan–Feb) ✓ Renews
$1,000–$4,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with most forms of aid.
📄
How to Apply
Audition-based; apply to the School of Music and schedule required audition.
Selection criteria: Audition ranking, music faculty review.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong auditionees, both in-state and out-of-state.
App Required
Tippie College of Business & College of Education Awards
📅 Deadline: Portal priority Feb–Mar ✓ Renews
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other scholarships and aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Iowa Scholarship Portal; demonstrate major-related involvement, leadership/service.
Most winners: Cadets who meet all ROTC and university criteria.
Automatic
Shoemaker–Strickler Physics Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Department timeline (Jan–Feb) ✓ Renews
$15,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be stacked with other merit and need-based aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top admitted Physics majors, typically a very small cohort each year.
App Required
Faley Family First Generation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 (typical) Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,500
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Iowa Scholarship Portal; for first-gen, Iowa HS grads, need considered.
Selection criteria: Need, grades and involvement considered.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-gen Iowa grads with decent grades and involvement.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs
Do these stack with automatic merit?
Usually yes. Departmental, band, first-gen, and many portal awards can stack with admission merit and need-based aid (up to cost-of-attendance limits).
Where do we apply?
Most non-audition awards run through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Band awards go through auditions and program selection. ROTC is through branch applications and the campus unit.
When are decisions released?
Portal/department decisions commonly land Feb–Apr. Band scholarships track audition/placement timelines. ROTC results follow national board schedules (Oct–Jan).
Any tips to improve odds?
Submit FAFSA, complete the portal profile fully, tailor short essays to each award’s purpose, and meet all audition/tryout dates. Keep grades and participation strong for renewable awards.
The University of Iowa Honors Program is built for curious, driven students who want smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and early access to research. Students benefit from priority registration, dedicated advising in the Blank Honors Center, and a strong residential community in Daum Hall. Invitations are based on a holistic review of the admission file—academics, writing, service, and leadership all matter.
Honors Scholarships & Awards
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Experiential Learning Grant
📅 Deadline: Rolling/ongoing — must apply at least one month before the event. Fall applications open in August. Non-Renewable
$500
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with need-based aid, merit scholarships, departmental grants, and external project funding. Honors encourages students to seek matching funds from their home department.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the application via the Qualtrics form linked on the Honors Experiential Learning Grant page. Must include event/program details, dates, a copy of the abstract or acceptance notice, and an estimated budget. Applications open for fall in August; must be submitted at least one month before the event.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Maximum award is $500 per student. Students may only receive this grant once during their undergraduate career. Must be enrolled in the term they apply. Eligible activities include conference presentations, research trips requiring travel, approved study abroad programs, and registered internships.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with a concrete, approved experiential learning event coming up — a conference presentation, research trip, study abroad program, or registered internship. This is a one-time-per-career grant, so your student should save it for the experience that matters most.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Dewey B. Stuit Fund for Undergraduate Research
📅 Deadline: CLAS deadline for current-year research funding — typically late winter or early spring; check the CLAS scholarships page for current cycle. Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other merit and need-based aid. Funds are intended to cover research expenses or a student stipend, not tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through CLAS with a research proposal and faculty sponsorship as described on the CLAS scholarships webpage.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Primarily a research and experiential award rather than a general tuition reduction. Distinct from the Dewey B. Stuit Scholarship for Excellence administered through the Honors Program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: CLAS undergraduates — often in natural science majors — with a compelling research proposal and a faculty mentor already lined up. The clearer and more developed your student's research plan, the better their shot.
App Required
Presidential Scholars Program (Honors)
📅 Deadline: Invitations and application deadlines set by Honors — generally January through March before fall enrollment. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with automatic merit and need-based aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits. Established in 1978 as UIowa's premier scholarship, it's designed to complement — not replace — other institutional awards.
📄
How to Apply
By invitation only — top incoming students are contacted by the Honors Program. Invited students complete a Presidential Scholars application and may participate in interviews or other selection activities.
Selection criteria: Academic ability, integrity/leadership, intellectual curiosity, commitment to community, respect for difference
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount of $5,000/year ($20,000 total over four years) is based on historical reporting; the live Honors page does not currently publish a specific dollar figure. Amount should be verified against current award letters. Established 1978 as Iowa's premier scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A small, highly selective cohort of exceptional incoming Honors students. The program evaluates five criteria: academic ability, integrity in scholarship and leadership, intellectual curiosity, commitment to community, and respect for difference. If your student gets an invitation, they should absolutely apply — this is the top of the pyramid at Iowa.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Rhodes Dunlap Scholarship for Achievement
📅 Deadline: Typically February through March for awards in the following academic year — check the Iowa Scholarship Portal for current cycle dates. Non-Renewable
$1,000–$5,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded for one academic year; students may reapply in subsequent years as long as they remain eligible.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Iowa Scholarship Portal (scholarships.uiowa.edu) with evidence of strong academic performance, promise of continued excellence, and a demonstrated connection to the Honors community through scholarship, research, leadership, or service.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Live Honors page lists two distinct Rhodes Dunlap awards: one for first- and second-year students, and the Rhodes Dunlap Collegiate Scholarships for students in their third year. Both are available through the universal Honors scholarship application. Open to any undergraduate departmental major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First- and second-year Honors students with strong academic records and meaningful co-curricular involvement — research, service, leadership, or creative work. The application is about showing you're engaged with the Honors community, not just your GPA.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Richard Tyner Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Application window set by Honors — typically opens in fall with priority review in early spring. Non-Renewable
$1,000–$5,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with major scholarships of $5,000 or more per year (such as the Old Gold Award if still active for prior cohorts). Otherwise stackable with need-based and external funding.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via the Iowa Scholarship Portal (scholarships.uiowa.edu). Must be an in-state Honors student from an Iowa high school who earned entry into the Honors Program by achieving a 3.5+ UI GPA in their first, second, or third semester.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Applicants must be in their first or second year of undergraduate study at time of application. Must have graduated from a high school in rural Iowa — the Honors page specifies preference for graduates of small Iowa towns. Must be enrolled full time and have earned Honors entry via a 3.5+ UI GPA in first, second, or third semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Iowa in-state Honors students from rural Iowa high schools who came in without top-of-class credentials but proved themselves by earning a 3.5+ UI GPA once they got to campus. This one rewards students who grew into their potential — not just those who walked in with perfect stats.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
SIT Targeted Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring: October 15 | Summer: March 15 | Fall: May 1. Portal opens after September 2. Non-Renewable
$1,000–$5,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with other SIT-sponsored funding (Pell matching, Big Ten Alliance Scholarship, SIT general funds), other study abroad grants, federal financial aid, and applicable UI scholarships. Total SIT awards from all sources cannot exceed $5,000 per student per semester.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SIT Targeted Honors Scholarship application (fillable PDF) and a 500-word Statement of Purpose addressing your reasons for choosing SIT, the country and topic, and how the experience will impact your academic and professional goals. Submit to UI Study Abroad by the posted term deadline. Application also available through the Iowa Scholarship Portal.
Selection criteria: Ranked by statement of purpose by a review committee composed of Honors Program and Study Abroad representatives.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Formerly cataloged as 'SIT Study Abroad Honors Scholarship.' Administered by International Programs and Study Abroad in collaboration with the Honors Program — not listed on the generic Honors scholarships page, but Honors membership is required. Minimum award is $1,000; total SIT funding from all sources capped at $5,000 per semester. Award amounts vary based on number of eligible applicants. Also available at: https://uiowa.academicworks.com/opportunities/177497
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students who are already enrolled in or applying to an SIT study abroad program and can write a compelling 500-word statement about why they chose that specific country and topic. Applications are ranked by a joint Honors and Study Abroad committee — the essay does the heavy lifting here.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Award amounts and deadlines can shift year to year. Use the Honors/Scholarship Portal for the official dates in the current cycle.
About the Presidential Scholars Program: This is Iowa’s premier Honors award, limited to a small cohort each year. Recipients typically combine exceptional academics with strong writing, leadership, and service. Invitations follow holistic review and may include essays or interviews.
Honors Living-Learning Community (Daum Hall):
Honors students can live in Daum Hall, located next to the Blank Honors Center, for easy access to advising and a built-in community of motivated peers.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Some students are invited at admission, while others apply through MyUI later. Iowa uses a holistic review that considers GPA, rigor, and involvement—not just test scores.
Can Honors scholarships stack with other aid?
Yes, in most cases. Honors awards typically stack with automatic merit and need-based aid, but total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
What are the benefits besides scholarships?
Smaller classes, early research access, priority registration, strong advising, and community life in Daum Hall. Many students say mentorship is the most valuable part.
Can students join later?
Yes. Iowa allows current students with strong GPAs to apply for Honors after their first year. The Richard Tyner Scholarship supports late-entry students specifically.
Are there grants for research or internships?
Yes. The Honors Experiential Learning Grant provides up to $2,000 to support approved research, creative work, or study abroad projects.
The University of Iowa shines nationally and regionally in its elite health sciences, creative writing, and research footprint. As an R1 research university, it leads in medical innovation, hydroscience, and space physics. It’s also home to the legendary Iowa Writers’ Workshop—an unparalleled hub for creative literary talent. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Signature Program:
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop — the oldest MFA creative writing program in the U.S., world-renowned for producing generations of Pulitzer Prize–winning authors and cultural leaders.
Physician Assistant (Carver College of Medicine): Tied for No. 1 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 rankings.
Physical Therapy (Carver College of Medicine): Ranked No. 3 nationally.
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology (CLAS): Consistently in the top ranks nationally—Audiology top-2, Speech-Language Pathology top-5.
Rehabilitation Counseling (College of Education): Ranked No. 3 nationally.
College of Dentistry: The only dental school in Iowa and one of two in the U.S. offering all ADA-accredited dental specialty training programs—a consistent regional standout.
These are the official University of Iowa pages for admissions, scholarships, and Honors. Always verify details like deadlines and award amounts directly with the university.
✅ Final Thoughts
Figuring out scholarships at a Big Ten school can feel overwhelming, but Iowa makes the process clearer than most. Automatic merit takes the edge off for solid grades and test scores, while competitive and hidden-gem awards add layers of opportunity for first-gen students, band members, and future researchers. If your student is motivated and proactive, Iowa rewards that effort with real dollars off the sticker price—and a strong Honors community to grow in once they’re here.
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Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
