The University of Iowa continues to be recognized as the best public university for writing and communication in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Iowa is tied for No. 10 in writing in the disciplines.

The university also holds top 10 rankings in undergraduate nursing (No. 8) and insurance (No. 9). Iowa also is ranked among the nation's top 50 public universities overall.

These accolades certainly highlight Iowa's strengths, and yet university leaders emphasize that student outcomes are what truly matter.

"The University of Iowa offers a world-class education while remaining accessible to every college-ready student," says President Barbara Wilson. "We are proud of the recognition, but even more proud of the real results we deliver for students and for the state of Iowa."

Those results include a 91% first-year retention rate, record four- and six-year graduation rates, and a 96% placement rate for graduates who are employed, continuing their education, or not seeking work within six months of graduation.

"We measure success the same way families do," says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. "Are students staying on track, completing their degrees, and finding meaningful opportunities after graduation? Iowa is excelling across the measures that matter most."

Iowa is one of only five public universities ranked among the top 50 that admits more than 80% of its applicants.

"Too many rankings reward schools for how many students they turn away," Wilson says. "We are focused on how many students we lift up. The fact that we admit broadly and still retain more than 90% of our students shows we are delivering on our mission."

That approach is resonating with students and families. Iowa received more than 31,000 undergraduate applications for fall 2025 and welcomed the second-largest incoming class in its history. Programs such as First Gen Hawks, which achieved a 90.8% retention rate among participants last year, are ensuring that more families across Iowa and beyond are given the opportunities and support to be successful.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings factor in numerous variables for the nation's public and private universities, including student outcomes (such as rates of graduation and retention for students who started college between 2015 and 2023), assessment by academic peers, faculty resources and scholarly work, and overall financial resources.

Iowa's 2026 rankings include:

8. Undergraduate nursing programs

9. Insurance

10. Writing in the disciplines

32. Undergraduate business programs

38. Analytics

43. Undergraduate psychology programs

49. Top public schools

58. Accounting

62. Undergraduate economics programs

67. Best colleges for Veterans

71. Undergraduate computer science programs

72. Undergraduate engineering programs, doctorate

102. Overall rank

The full rankings and methodology can be found on the U.S. News website.