University of Iowa

About University of Iowa

The University of Iowa planning program has thrived for almost 60 years, and our alumni have made important contributions to planning - in traditional government positions, in private sector development and consulting firms, and in the nonprofit sector. We are committed to providing an excellent teaching environment for students. Faculty are responsive to student needs - faculty-student interaction in the Urban and Regional Planning program is more typical of a small liberal arts college than a major research institution: informal, relaxed and friendly. But unlike small colleges, we have the student and faculty resources of a large Tier-I research university.

Points of Distinction

The master's degree in planning at the University of Iowa is fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. Our graduates’ pass rate on the AICP exam is one of the highest rates in the nation. According to the Planetizen's 2023 rankings of master’s programs in urban and regional planning, ours is: 16th best planning program in the US; #1 program with less than 55 students; 2nd in the Midwest; 5th most selective; 2nd among planning schools in small cities; 3rd among master’s programs without a Ph.D.; 9th in programs within a public university.

Degrees & Programs

Master's Degree
Degree Name	Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board:	Yes
Minimum GPA	3.0
Minimum GRE	Not required
Minimum TOEFL	80 (no skill score under 17)
Minimum IELTS	6.5 (no skill score under 6.0)
In-state tuition per year	$12,991
Out-of-state tuition per year	$31,938
Application deadline	Rolling
Financial aid and scholarship deadline	January 15
Students in program	26
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio	5:1