The university is devided into eleven colleges, the largest of which is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, enrolling most of Iowa's undergraduates. Iowa has earned international recognition for its wealth of achievements in the arts, humanities and sciences. The University was the first U.S. public university to admit men and women on an identical base. 

The University of Iowa has well-known research programs in genetics, hydraulics, and speech and hearing, and has recorded major innovations in agricultural medicine, biocatalysis, biomedical engineering, pharmacology biomedical and sciences education.

Some Numbers

Nearly 30,000 students enroll at Iowa annually. About 58 percent come from Iowa, 25 percent from adjoining states, and 9 percent from the remaining states. Foreign students from 104 countries make up 8 percent of the University's enrolment. The faculty numbers about 1,700 and there are about 13,000 staff. The annual operating budget is about $2.8 billion, and there are more than 120 major buildings, most of them within walking distance of one another. Adding to the population are more than a million visitors each year who come to enjoy cultural events and art exhibits, to attend Big Ten athletic events, and to participate in the many conferences and educational programs scheduled at the University year-round.

Academics 
The University's academic units and programs concentrates on education and research in specific disciplines and areas of study, and share the knowledge gained with the state, the nation, and the world in general. Annually Iowa welcomes thousands of international scholars and students to its campus and sends hundreds of Iowa students abroad, offering opportunities not only for study, but foster respect and understanding and to share cultures.

Distance Education
The University of Iowa has had a long tradition of excellence in education history. Distance education at Iowa continues this tradition by delivering accessible and quality education. 

Financial Aid
About 90 percent of students attending The University of Iowa receive some form of financial aid, including grants, loans, student employment and scholarships.