The Best of the Large Four Year Universities in Iowa - University of Iowa: a Public University with Few Equals

During the U.S. presidential primary season every four years, the buzz around Iowa is nearly impossible to ignore, with the Iowa Caucuses turning the state into one of the most scrutinized places on earth, an impressive feat for a population hovering around 3 million people. Iowa’s history is indelibly linked to the westward expansion of the country, as it is to the agricultural focus past and present of the 29th state, most notably in the corn industry. It is worth noting that the state’s largest and most respected public universities were established soon after the state was entered into the Union in 1846. Today, the state universities are known for their strong research focus as well as an athletic tradition which has its truest manifestation in football. Though the state’s three largest schools command the lion’s share of attention among observers of the Iowa higher education scene, these four universities are worth noting by anyone in-state or out-of-state who is seeking a high quality education is a large school setting.

University of Iowa: a Public University with Few Equals

In the University of Iowa, one can find the rare convergence of intense research activity, a strong academic core, renowned arts programs and a nationally recognized athletic program, all in a state university with an enrollment topping 30,000 students. Based in Iowa City, UI is a big draw for not only the state of Iowa but also for out-of-state residents, who typically make up over 40% of the student population. It is difficult to ignore the year of its founding, 1847, just one year after Iowa achieved statehood. Expanding along with the state itself, UI eventually became the first coed public university and has the distinction of opening up the master’s degree to include fine arts focuses, the first school in the country to do so.

There are a total of eleven colleges in all at the University of Iowa and the largest of these is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with other key colleges including the College of Business and the College of Medicine. In fact, among the many reasons why the university is known around the country, its hospital may be the biggest feather in IU’s cap, as it is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best. Beyond that, the aeronautics, creative writing, biomedicine, audiology and nursing programs are leaders in their respective fields.

Iowa State University: a Leader in Science and Research

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, typically called simply Iowa State, has a history dating back to the 1850’s and a reputation as one of the country’s top public universities. Membership in the American Association of Universities means that members who participate in the school’s advanced research teams are given the chance by invitation only. Nearly 30,000 students attend the university every year, located in Ames, Iowa.

Though it is mainly known as Iowa State, its full name tells the story of its academic strengths, which can be found in statistics, chemistry, aerospace engineering, electrical and computer engineering and counseling services. Among the many breakthroughs in the school’s research wing, most impressive are the invention of the electronic digital computer and its participation in the development of the atomic bomb with the Manhattan Project.

University of Northern Iowa: One of the Midwest’s Best

Maintaining a population of about 15,000 students and consistently ranked among the best schools in the Midwest, the University of Northern Iowa has a reputation which continues to get stronger. Established in 1876 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Northern Iowa is a state school which acts like a major player in regional academics, with large athletics and study abroad programs complementing its core programs. Students can apply for the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and Humanities, the College of Natural Sciences and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Among being recognized as an environmentally responsible school and one which has an outstanding relationship with veterans of the armed forces, UNI’s College of Business Administration has the prestigious accreditation of the AACSB. Also known for its exceptional jazz program, UNI exhibits the range of the best universities in the country.

Upper Iowa University: Rich in Tradition

Though perhaps on a smaller scale than the typical large universities in the United States, Upper Iowa University is nonetheless one of the largest in the state. Begin in the 1850’s when Alexander family made its first donation, UIU in Fayette is one of the oldest universities in Iowa. Now offering distance learning programs to supplement its offerings in bachelor’s and master’s degrees, UIU is adapting to the changes presented by the modern world.

Students can choose to enter majors in the Division of Business, the Division of Education and Health, Physical Education and Recreation (known as HPER), the Division of Liberal Arts or the Division of Science and Mathematics at UIU. More than 40 majors are offered at the university.