These are the estimated 2020-21 costs of attending the University of Iowa for an undergraduate student enrolled full time (12 or more semester hours) for the fall and spring semesters. These figures include a one-time University Records and Document Fee of $225 for new students. 

Tuition and fees vary for International Students and for undergraduate students in business, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and medicine. Tuition and fees for Part-Time and Online Students (enrolled for fewer than 12 semester hours per semester) are assessed based on the number of semester hours. 

Estimated Costs of Attendance - Living On Campus, 2020-21
Billed expenses Iowa Residents Nonresidents
Tuition & fees * $9,830 $31,793
Housing & meals** $11,590 $11,590
Total billed expenses $21,420 $43,383
Other estimated expenses Iowa Residents Nonresidents
Books & supplies $950 $950
Personal expenses*** $2,546 $2,546
Transportation $684 $684
Total estimated expenses $4,180 $4,180
Estimated Costs of Attendance - Living Off Campus, 2020-21
Billed expenses Iowa Residents Nonresidents
Tuition & fees * $9,830 $31,793
Housing & meals $9,576 $9,576
Total billed expenses $19,406 $41,369
Other estimated expenses Iowa Residents Nonresidents
Books & supplies $950 $950
Personal expenses*** $2,546 $2,546
Transportation $1,178 $1,178
Total estimated expenses $4,674 $4,674
Estimated Costs of Attendance - Living at Home, 2020-21
Billed expenses Iowa Residents
Tuition & fees * $9,830
Housing & meals $3,306
Total billed expenses $13,136
Other estimated expenses Iowa Residents
Books & supplies $950
Personal expenses*** $2,546
Transportation $1,178
Total estimated expenses $4,674

* Tuition varies for students in these areas of study:
Detailed tuition and fee information

  • Business students pay $11,556 for residents ($33,558 for nonresidents); third- and fourth-year business students pay $13,251 for residents ($35,424 for nonresidents).
  • Engineering students pay $11,150 for residents ($33,094 for nonresidents); second-, third-, and fourth-year engineering students pay $12,889 ($35,123 for nonresidents).
  • Medicine undergraduates pay $9,632 for residents ($31,595 for nonresidents).
  • Nursing students pay $12,646 for residents ($34,759 for nonresidents).
  • Pharmacy students pay $28,599 for residents ($45,075 for nonresidents).

** Based on a double room with a meal plan for the academic year (9 months).

*** Personal expenses include phone charges, clothes, entertainment, laundry, and other costs. Although your actual expenses will vary, these estimates should help you plan a budget.

Billing & Payment Information

The University Billing Office generates bills on the first of each month. Contracted charges—including tuition, fees, housing and meals—are billed June 1 for the Summer Session, August 1 for the Fall Semester, December 1 for the Winter Session, and January 1 for the Spring Semester.

Resident/Nonresident Classification

The UI Registrar's Office determines the classification of residents and nonresidents for tuition purposes.