University of Iowa vs UNH: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Iowa and University of New Hampshire, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Iowa vs UNH at a glance
University of Iowa admits 83.6% of applicants and UNH 88.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,508 at University of Iowa and $26,150 at UNH. Six-year graduation rates are 75.8% and 76.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Iowa admits 83.6% of applicants and UNH 88.2%, so University of Iowa is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $22,508 a year at University of Iowa and $26,150 at UNH; University of Iowa costs $3,642 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,353 at University of Iowa and $18,960 at UNH.
- 75.8% of students graduate within six years at University of Iowa, against 76.8% at UNH.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $70,727 for University of Iowa and $71,477 for UNH; UNH is $750 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,262 at University of Iowa and $25,000 at UNH.
- University of Iowa enrolls 22,264 students (small city) and UNH 11,261 (small suburb).
Side by side
University of Iowa and UNH in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Iowa | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 83.6% | 88.2% |
| Applicants | 22,434 | 20,149 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1130–1330 | 1090–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 21–28 | 26–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,508 | $26,150 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,622 | $19,682 |
| Tuition, out of state | $33,710 | $40,844 |
| Cost of attendance | $29,219 | $37,933 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,353 | $18,960 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,374 | $19,732 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,179 | $20,270 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,278 | $22,775 |
| Over $110,000 | $26,721 | $30,808 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 75.8% | 76.8% |
| First-year retention | 90.4% | 87.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $70,727 | $71,477 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,262 | $25,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $242 | $284 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 22,264 | 11,261 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Small |
| Location | Iowa City, IA | Durham, NH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Iowa reports 78 bachelor's programs and UNH 96; 57 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Behavioral Sciences
- Marketing
- Biology, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Questions about University of Iowa vs UNH
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Iowa or UNH?
University of Iowa is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Iowa admits 83.6% of applicants and UNH admits 88.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Iowa 1130–1330; UNH 1090–1330.
Which is cheaper, University of Iowa or UNH?
University of Iowa has the lower average net price after grants: $22,508 a year at University of Iowa against $26,150 at UNH. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,353 and $18,960. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Iowa or UNH graduates earn more?
UNH graduates earn more at the median: $70,727 ten years after entry for University of Iowa and $71,477 for UNH. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,262 and $25,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Iowa or UNH?
UNH does: 75.8% of University of Iowa students graduate within six years, against 76.8% at UNH.
How big are University of Iowa and UNH?
University of Iowa has 22,264 students in Iowa City, IA and UNH has 11,261 students in Durham, NH.