Admission Guidelines
Freshmen
Each application for admission is considered based on the following factors:
- Graduation from an accredited secondary school, or completion of the General Education Diploma (GED).
- Grade point average of secondary school work.
- Rank in secondary school graduating class.
- Results on standardized tests (ACT or SAT).
- Extracurricular activities and leadership.
Incoming freshmen can qualify for outstanding merit scholarships that can be renewed annually. Freshmen scholarships range from $11,000 - $2,500 annually dependent upon high school grade point average and ACT or SAT test scores.
Transfer students
A student who has attended an accredited college, university, community college or junior college, must be in good standing at that institution before being admitted to Upper Iowa University. Transfer students NOW qualify for outstanding merit scholarships that can be renewed annually!
Credit for all lecture and lab courses transfer to Upper Iowa University from schools accredited by any of the following regional accrediting associations:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Evaluation of credits from unaccredited institutions is according to the “Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions,” published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Course credits transfer toward major, minor, general education course requirements or as electives. The actual number of transfer credits accepted for the major/minor is determined in consultation with the appropriate academic division.
Upper Iowa University may transfer up to 78 lower division college semester credits from accredited institutions. A maximum of 78 semester credits may be transferred from community/technical colleges.
These 78 semester credits may include:
- No more than 9 semester credits from Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) activity courses, including transcripted intercollegiate athletics.
- No credits from courses identified by Upper Iowa University as at the remedial or developmental level (except for articulated ESL credits from partner institutions).
- No more than 30 semester credits from one year occupational diploma programs.
Upper Iowa University may transfer an additional 12 semester credits, identified by the transfer institution as upper division credit, to a transfer maximum of 90 semester credits.
Up to 78 lower division credits and 12 upper division semester credits evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) and semester credits earned through CLEP, DSST (Dantes), Excelsior College and ACT-PEP examinations will transfer to Upper Iowa University.
See also this section of the Catalog.
Accelerated Curriculum Emphasis (ACE) Program
Academic requirements for the ACE Program include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (based on the 4.00 scale) in a successfully completed high school college preparatory curriculum. ACE students must also meet the general admission requirements.
Former students
Former Upper Iowa University students who wish to return will follow the transfer student guidelines. Such a student must resubmit an admission application form (available from the Admission Office) and supply official transcripts of credits covering all previous college work.
International Students
International Students SEVIS I-901 Fee Information
To be considered for admission, international students must follow the basic admission steps (except #3 ACT/SAT results), submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is required, submit a notarized statement showing financial support for colleges expenses in either the student’s name or an immediate family member, and pay ½ of the total tuition, room and board expenses for the first year of attendance. The I-20 form will be issued after the student has submitted all required materials and ½ of the total tuition, room and board for the first year of attendance. Transfer credit from non-U.S. institutions needs to be evaluated by an approved credit evaluation services at the expense of the student.
Answers to International Students Commonly Asked Questions
UIU has compiled a list of answers to common questions we hope will be helpful to you. For your convenience, the questions are divided into categories.
| Admissions |
What is the admission process at Upper Iowa University?
All international students must first fill out an international student application form. Required high school transcripts, TOEFL score, and proof of financial responsibility must be included. The entire application package should be sent to Upper Iowa University, Admission Office, 605 Washington Street, P.O. Box 1859, Fayette, IA 54142. You can check your admission status via email (admission @uiu.edu), fax (563.425.5323), phone (800-553-4150 Ext. 2), or letter (605 Washington Street, P.O. Box 1859, Fayette, IA 52142). When will you issue my I-20? Upper Iowa University's Office for International Student and Scholar Services will issue an I-20 when the student has:
|
| Financial Aid |
Is financial assistance available for international students? Students may qualify for new international scholarships that range from $6,000-$2,500 USD. Please call the Office of Admissions for scholarship details at 800-553-4150 Ext. 2. These scholarships are ONLY available at the time of initial attendance. |
| Housing |
Does Upper Iowa University have student housing? Yes, UIU provides three residence halls. Garbee Hall is the primary living area for residence hall students. For women, Lee Tower is the newest addition to residence life facilities. Lee Tower is comprised of six suites with two suites per floor. Hofmaster Apartments, for men, was converted to at student facility in the fall of 1996. It is made up of six apartments with two apartments per floor. Certain requirements must be met to live off campus or in upperclassmen apartments. |
| Visa |
What type of U.S. visa should I obtain to study at Upper Iowa? International students should obtain and enter the United States with an F-1 visa. What is the SEVIS fee for F-1 applicants? The I-901 fee of $100 (as of Sept. 2004) has been implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This fee must be paid and fully processed prior to your visa interview. |
| Traveling |
What are some tips when traveling to the U.S.? Hand carry (do not check) the following items: passport, I-20, evidence of financial resources, tuition receipts, transcripts, or letter of acceptance, paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, the name and contact information of your designated school official. Inform the DBP Officer at the port of entry as soon as possible that you will be a new or returning student in the United States. Report to Upper Iowa University upon arrival so that your school official can validate your participation in SEVIS. |
| Orientation |
When should I arrive at UIU? We recommend that you arrive at least 2-3 days prior to the start of orientation so that you can rest and recover from travel fatigue. Where is the nearest Airport? The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids (319-362-8336), or the Waterloo Municipal Airport (319-291-4483). Will someone meet me at the Airport? Yes, this must be coordinated with the Office of Admissions (800-553-4150 Ext. 2) at least one month in advance. Can you give me directions to get to Upper Iowa University? Please refer to this (UIU map). Is Orientation mandatory for new international students? Yes, the international student orientation, advising, and registration days are required for all newly admitted UIU international students. The days consist of check-in at the residence halls (if applicable), a trip to the bank (if applicable), testing, general information session, validation process, visit student services (student ID's, mailbox key, and forms), advising session with a faculty member in each students' major, registration, campus tour, town tour, and discussion about the importance of carrying health insurance. Each student must provide their VISA and passport to the admission office in order to become a registered student in the SEVIS system (failure to do so will cause a students' I-20 to be terminated). |
Graduates
A graduate of Upper Iowa University or another institution who desires to enter in order to earn additional undergraduate credits should follow these steps to apply.
Special students
Unclassified students may be admitted to study for credit not leading to a degree. They may select courses for which they qualify, if approved by the Director of Student Succcess (563-425-5264), without regard to general education requirements of the college.
Transient students
Students working toward a degree at another college may enroll for up to 15 semester hours at Upper Iowa University as transient students, upon presentation of authorization from the dean or registrar of their institution indicating approval of the specific courses to be taken. The proper form to use for such authorization is available from the Registrar’s Office.
Part-time and summer school students
The University welcomes applications from prospective part-time and summer school students, including teachers who wish to complete degree programs or to continue beyond degree programs. All such students must apply for admission before the beginning of the semester or term in which they wish to enroll.
Auditors
On a space availability basis, persons who are capable of profiting from college classes may enroll as auditors. Auditors pay a reduced tuition fee and do not earn college credit.
Early Admission
With the recommendation of their principal and guidance counselor, high school students may apply for early admission to the University. This permits outstanding students to begin their college program during the summer prior to their senior year or while completing their final high school units. Individuals interested in early admission should contact the Admission Center.
