Big Ten Spirit Meets Top-Tier Business Opportunities
University of Iowa presents a mixed profile with exceptional strengths in areas the student prioritizes (school spirit, social scene, academ...
AI Recommendation
University of Iowa presents a mixed profile with exceptional strengths in areas the student prioritizes (school spirit, social scene, academic programs, career outcomes) but concerning mismatches in critical preferences (class size, sunshine/climate, urban location). The student would thrive in Iowa's vibrant Big Ten culture, strong business/marketing programs with 94% placement rates, and active weekend campus life. The Division I dance team offers legitimate walk-on opportunities. However, three significant concerns warrant careful consideration: (1) Large introductory classes (100-300 students) directly conflict with desire for teacher support and smaller classes - this won't improve until junior/senior year; (2) Cold, gray Iowa winters with only 200 sunny days is problematic for someone who 'loves sunshine'; (3) Iowa City's isolation 3.5-4 hours from Chicago doesn't meet 'urban or near city' preference. Total score of 74/100 indicates GOOD FIT, but the specific nature of the mismatches (class size affecting daily academic experience, weather affecting daily mood/wellbeing, location affecting weekend/break options) suggests these aren't minor trade-offs. Student should visit in winter, sit in large lecture halls, and honestly assess whether Iowa's exceptional spirit and career outcomes outweigh these daily experience factors.
Quick Actions
Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
6
- 1 EXCEPTIONAL Big Ten school spirit with sold-out football games, Iowa Wave tradition, and campus-wide pride - exactly what student wants
- 2 Outstanding business/marketing programs with 90%+ internship rates and 94% job placement within 6 months of graduation
- 3 Very active social scene and weekend campus life - definitively NOT a commuter school with 88% retention rate
- 4 Division I Dance Team with legitimate walk-on tryout opportunities and high campus visibility
- 5 Strong programs across ALL five academic interests (business, marketing, psychology, pre-law, pre-PT) with dedicated support centers
- 6 Excellent applied learning through Marketing Institute real client projects, case competitions, and consulting opportunities
Things to Consider
6
- 1 CRITICAL MISMATCH: Large introductory classes (100-300 students) conflict with need for 'teacher support and smaller classes' - won't get small classes until junior/senior year
- 2 WEATHER CONCERN: Only 200 sunny days with cold, gray winters is problematic for student who 'loves sunshine' - potential for seasonal mood impacts
- 3 LOCATION MISMATCH: Iowa City is 3.5-4 hours from Chicago, not the 'urban or near city' environment desired - more geographically isolated
- 4 Significant bar/drinking culture (though alternatives exist) - student should assess comfort level
- 5 Out-of-state cost of ~$45,000 annually (tuition + room/board) - financial consideration if not in-state
- 6 Dance team tryouts are competitive - walk-on possible but not guaranteed despite opportunity
Detailed Research
Internships
Strong internship culture, especially in business. Tippie has 90%+ internship/work experience rate before graduation. Career fairs attract 200+ employers. Chicago, Des Moines, and Omaha are primary markets. Summer internship programs well-established.
Avg Class Size
Lower-level courses: 50-300 students. Upper-level courses: 20-40 students. Business core classes typically 30-50 after prerequisites.
Teaching Style
Mixed approach. Large lectures for introductory courses transitioning to discussion-based and applied learning in upper division. Tippie emphasizes experiential learning, case competitions, and consulting projects. Psychology offers research assistant opportunities.
Academic Support
Tutor Iowa (free peer tutoring), Academic Success Center, Supplemental Instruction for difficult courses, Writing Center. Business school has dedicated academic advisors. However, large intro classes mean less individual professor interaction initially.
Career Placement
Business school reports 94% placement rate within 6 months of graduation. Overall university: 85-90% employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Average starting salary for business grads: $58,000-$62,000.
Program Rankings
- No specific pre-law major but strong advising through Pre-Law Center. Iowa Law School ranked #27 nationally. 80%+ acceptance rate to law schools for qualified applicants.
- Tippie College of Business ranked #37 among public business schools (U.S. News 2024). Marketing program particularly strong with specialized centers and experiential learning opportunities.
- Strong program within Tippie, includes Marketing Institute with real client projects. Known for integrated marketing communications focus.
- Ranked #30 nationally for psychology graduate programs, strong undergraduate foundation with research opportunities. Clinical and behavioral neuroscience particularly notable.
- Exercise Science major in College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Strong DPT program (ranked #18). Guaranteed interview for qualified undergrads to Iowa DPT program with 3.5+ GPA.
Student Faculty Ratio
15:1 overall, though introductory courses can be significantly larger (100-300 students)
Greek Life
Moderate presence: approximately 18-20% of students involved in Greek life. Visible but not dominant. Social scene exists outside Greek system. 25+ fraternities, 20+ sororities. Provides social structure but not required for social life.
Social Scene
Vibrant social scene centered around Big Ten sports, downtown Iowa City (Pedestrian Mall with bars/restaurants), house parties. Bar culture significant for 21+. Known as a 'party school' historically but has balanced academics. Not a suitcase school.
School Spirit
EXCEPTIONAL. Big Ten athletics drive massive school spirit. Kinnick Stadium (football) holds 69,250 - consistently sells out. Famous 'Iowa Wave' tradition to children's hospital. Basketball and wrestling also highly attended. Black and gold everywhere on campus.
Retention Rate
88% freshman retention rate (2023 data)
Graduation Rate
73% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Very active campus on weekends during school year. Football Saturdays are major events. Downtown Iowa City bar scene heavily frequented (21+ culture strong). Campus does empty somewhat during breaks but active during semester.
Political Climate
Moderate to liberal campus in increasingly conservative state. Iowa City itself is a liberal college town bubble. Student body diverse politically but leans left of center. Active political discourse but generally respectful.
Setting
Small city/college town. Iowa City (population ~75,000) is quintessential Big Ten college town. Campus integrated with downtown. Walkable community with distinct campus feel.
Sunny Days
Approximately 200 sunny days per year. Four distinct seasons. Winters can be harsh (cold, snowy December-February). Beautiful fall and spring. Summer warm and humid. Not ideal for sunshine-lovers - gray winters common.
Nature Access
Good access. Iowa River runs through campus with walking/biking trails. Lake Macbride State Park (10 miles) for hiking, beaches. Coralville Lake nearby. Flat terrain - no mountains. Prairie and river landscapes. Multiple parks and trails but not mountainous/dramatic scenery.
Transportation
Cambus (free university bus system) excellent and extensive. Iowa City Transit available. Very walkable/bikeable campus and downtown. Car helpful but not necessary. Uber/Lyft available. Zipcar on campus.
Nearest Airport
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids - 20 miles/30 minutes. Regional airport with connections through Chicago, Denver, Dallas. Chicago O'Hare (3.5-4 hours drive) for more flight options.
Surrounding Area
Iowa City is THE college town - economy revolves around university. Downtown Pedestrian Mall (Ped Mall) has restaurants, shops, bars, entertainment. Cultural hub for region with arts, music venues. Des Moines (2 hours) for bigger city access. Chicago (3.5-4 hours). Small town Iowa surroundings.
Dance Team
Iowa Dance Team is a competitive Division I spirit squad. Competes at UDA Nationals. Tryouts held in spring (April/May). Walk-ons can try out - no dance team experience required but high skill level expected. Team performs at football and basketball games. Highly visible and prestigious on campus.
Recreation
Excellent facilities. Campus Recreation & Wellness Center (CRWC) - 250,000 sq ft with climbing wall, pools, courts, fitness equipment. Field House for indoor track/recreation. Extensive intramural programs (50+ sports/activities). Outdoor rentals for camping/recreation equipment. Club sports very active (40+ clubs).
Food Quality
Above average. Multiple dining halls with varying quality. Hillcrest and Catlett known as better options. Many meal plan options. Downtown Iowa City offers extensive restaurant scene (walking distance). Food trucks on campus. Dining gets positive reviews overall - 7/10 rating typical from students.
Campus Beauty
Classic Big Ten campus. Pentacrest (historic center with Old Capitol) is iconic and beautiful. Iowa River provides scenic element. Mix of historic limestone buildings and modern facilities. Campus well-maintained. Fall colors spectacular. Not dramatic/picturesque like mountain schools but attractive, traditional college aesthetic.
Housing Quality
Variable. Newer dorms (Catlett, Petersen) are excellent with suite-style, AC. Older dorms (Burge, Daum) more traditional, no AC. Most freshmen in dorms on west side of campus. Sophomore+ often move to apartments (abundant off-campus housing). Living Learning Communities available. Housing guaranteed for freshmen.
Dance Team Contact
Iowa Spirit Squads Office: 319-335-9431. Email: iowa-spiritsquads@uiowa.edu. Coach information available through Athletics Department. Prospective member clinics typically held before tryouts.
Similar Colleges
Colleges with scores within ±10 points
Top colleges in the same state
Colleges with similar academic profiles