Students who apply to join the College of Engineering are reviewed first for admission to the University of Iowa and then for admission to the College of Engineering. Students admitted to the University of Iowa, but who do not meet the requirements for direct admission to Engineering, are admitted to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as Engineering Interest.
Direct Admission Requirements
The College of Engineering requires the following for direct admission:
- Regent Admission Index (RAI) of 265 or higher
- Meet all high school course requirements
- Completion of precalculus (or equivalent) or subsequent calculus coursework is required.
Additionally, each student’s cumulative GPA is reviewed during consideration for direct admission and may lead to admission as Engineering Interest. Grades of A or B in all high school math and science courses are highly recommended. Also, completion of at least one year of chemistry and one year of physics is encouraged.
Application Review
The Engineering Admissions office conducts additional reviews of those admitted as Engineering Interest throughout the year. Students who believe they meet the criteria and would like to appeal the decision are encouraged to email engr-admissions@uiowa.edu.
Precalculus
Students who meet all requirements other than completion of precalculus are encouraged to either add the course to their high school schedule or to consider enrolling in a precalculus course (or equivalent) at a local community college. After enrolling in the course, students can submit documentation to admissions@uiowa.edu to have it added to their application.
Enrolling as Engineering Interest
While attending the University of Iowa as Engineering Interest in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, a student is assigned an advisor who will help them navigate course selection and preparation for applying to join the College of Engineering. Many Engineering Interest students can enroll in select first-year engineering courses while they work toward admission to Engineering. Students may transfer into the College of Engineering as early as their second semester, if they meet the admission requirements.