For the 18th consecutive year, the University of Iowa has been recognized as one of the top values in higher education. 

The 2023 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges includes Iowa on the annual list of the 10 "Best Buy" public colleges and universities in the country. The Fiske Guide also ranks the top 10 private colleges and universities. The University of Iowa is the only school in Iowa - public or private - to make the list. 

To receive a “Best Buy” designation, schools had to have excellent academic programs in relation to the net cost of attendance and a high quality of student life on campus. Fiske Guide editors note that "Best Buy" schools make it possible for "students to enjoy a quality academic experience at a relatively low cost."

“Iowa is world-famous for its creative writing program and Writers’ Workshop. Other areas of strength include health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and business. Future scientists should check out the Research Fellows Program.s,” according to the guide.

The creation of former New York Times education editor Edward Fiske, the Fiske Guide has been a respected college search tool used by parents, college-bound students, and their guidance counselors for 30 years.