The University of Iowa has a long tradition of fostering educational opportunities for women, including becoming the first public university in the country to admit men and women on an equal basis beginning in 1855.

Iowa also was the first public U.S. university to grant a law degree to a woman when Mary Beth Hickey graduated from the College of Law in 1873. Iowa is also home to the nation's first female college newspaper editor in 1907, Mildred Whitcomb.

Several campus programs continue to strengthen the University's commitment to gender equity.

Support Networks

Areas of Study

Iowa offers more than 200 Areas of Study for undergraduates, including a program that focuses on gender, women's, and sexuality studies.

Education & Advocacy

Financial Aid and Scholarships

To supplement the cost of attending the University, start your scholarship search with the UI Office of Student Financial Aid and adding the University of Iowa to your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additional resources include:

Community Resources