Skip to content

Coe College vs University of Iowa

Coe College is a private college in Cedar Rapids, IA, and University of Iowa is a public university in Iowa City, IA. Coe College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 84% at University of Iowa. Coe College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,745 a year against $22,531 at University of Iowa. About 74% of students graduate at University of Iowa, compared with 62% at Coe College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Iowa alumni earn a median of about $64,762, against $57,125 for Coe College.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,164
22,264
Acceptance rate
64%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
1130–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
21–28
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,745
$22,531
Full cost / yr
$67,372
$28,596
In-state tuition
$54,666
$11,283
Out-of-state tuition
$54,666
$33,371
Application fee
$30
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,479
$15,316
$30k - $48k
$11,523
$15,489
$48k - $75k
$14,475
$19,930
$75k - $110k
$20,223
$23,811
Over $110k
$27,167
$26,266
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
74%
Freshman retention
73%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,136
$52,696
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,125
$64,762
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
18%
First-generation students
24%
22%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 10
Nov 2
Regular decision
Mar 1
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Coe College or University of Iowa harder to get into?
Coe College is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 84% at University of Iowa. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Coe College or University of Iowa?
Coe College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,745 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,531 at University of Iowa. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Coe College and University of Iowa?
Before aid, University of Iowa costs about $28,596 a year and Coe College about $67,372. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Coe College or University of Iowa?
Coe College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,479 there, against about $15,316 at University of Iowa. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Coe College or University of Iowa?
University of Iowa is the larger of the two, with about 22,264 undergraduates against 1,164 at Coe College.
Does Coe College or University of Iowa have a better graduation rate?
University of Iowa has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 62% at Coe College.
Do graduates of Coe College or University of Iowa earn more?
University of Iowa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,762 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,125 for Coe College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Coe College and University of Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
Coe College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Iowa considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Coe College and University of Iowa look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at Coe College and 1130–1330 at University of Iowa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school