Fayette has about a thousand residents, and Upper Iowa University makes up much of what goes on there. The private university was founded in 1857 and sits among farms and wooded hills in north-east Iowa, near the Volga River. The main campus is small and residential, while a large share of UIU's students study online or at centres elsewhere. Business, accounting and the sciences are the usual majors for international students.
Fayette, Iowa, United States
Official website: uiu.edu
1857
Private university
Small-town campus in north-east Iowa
$30,000 – $34,000
International students, undergraduate, before scholarships
$10,000 – $13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uiu.edu before you apply.
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Accounting
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
A small campus where everyone knows the faculty.
Outdoor recreation along the nearby Volga River.
NCAA Division II sports for a campus this size.
Business and accounting graduates join firms in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.
Biology graduates often go on to health or graduate programmes.
Bachelor's graduates can apply for OPT to work in the US.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The Fayette campus has residence halls, a small downtown a block or two away and a lot of green space. Student life centres on campus.
Fayette is very rural. Waterloo and Cedar Falls are about an hour away, and winters are long and cold. Living costs are low.
Form I-20 issued by Upper Iowa University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Upper Iowa reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by early summer for fall and October for spring.
New students start in fall (August) or spring (January).
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Upper Iowa University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Business administration, accounting, biology and the MBA are common choices. Undergraduates need a completed secondary school record and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 71.
Most students receive merit scholarships, and international students are considered at admission. The award can take a large amount off the listed tuition.
