The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, is one of the top public research institutions in the nation. Home to just over 31,000 students, we deliver a world-class education in over 200 areas of study and over 100 graduate programs.
Because Iowa is such an important agricultural state (more than 85 percent of Iowa’s land is farmed), the University is familiar with the challenges rural and small-town students face. As a state institution, we have a duty to serve students from all communities in the state of Iowa, and typically serve students from all 99 counties each academic year. At the University of Iowa, we believe each student deserves to have access to higher education. Iowa City is ranked as a top 10 college town, and has over 100 restaurants and local shops for students to experience. The University provides small class sizes on a Big 10 campus with a small town feel. The University and Iowa City complement each other to create a great community and rich educational experience for rural and small-town students to take back to their communities and create positive change.
The University of Iowa provides programming at all large events for rural and small-town students to learn more about life as a Hawkeye. Small Town and Rural Student Ambassadors are present at all Junior Hawkeye Visit Days, Hawkeye Visit Days, Admitted Student Days, and Small Town and Rural Student Visit Days.
Check out the resources below to learn more about life as a Hawkeye and how to succeed as a student!
Admissions Process Resources
Student Group Resources
- 1st Gen Hawks
- Iowa Edge - A program to support students through the college transition, with a focus on supporting individuals from rural areas.
- TRIO - a suite of support programs designed for first-generation students
Academic & Career Resources
Ways to Build Community on Campus
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STARS College Network
The University of Iowa is a proud founding member of the Small Town and Rural Student (STARS) College Network, a grant-funded consortium of 32 of the nation’s top universities that are committed to helping small-town and rural students apply to, attend, and graduate from a college of their choice.
The network provides many altruistic resources to help students learn more about the college search and admissions process and connects students with opportunities to visit STARS member institutions.