Iowa Residency Rules

 Difficulty

How to get in-state at Universities in Iowa:

Universities in Iowa can vary drastically in regards to requirements for gaining residency, but overall they are less strict than other states. The crux for almost all schools in IA is that you cannot be enrolled for more than 6 credit hours maximum per term. You must also be able to showcase that you have severed ties with all other states and made those ties within the state of Iowa (i.e. what state is your driver’s license from?). Some schools in Iowa require you to prove 100% self-support (no money from anyone whatsoever) whereas other schools in the state allow financial support from parents, friends, etc. You will also want to have employment in-state even if it is 5 hours per week (more the better!). Another variance among universities in Iowa is the amount of time you are allowed to be absent from the state during your domicile period—one school may allow no more than one week (7 days) absence total for the whole year; whereas another allows absences during all school breaks except for summer break.

In general, you are a good candidate for in-state at Iowa schools if you:

• Are able to commit yourself to IA via domiciliary requirements
• Are willing and able to take a Gap Year or attend no more than 6 credit hours per term
• Have some sort of employment in the state
• Have intentions for IA residency above and beyond school
• Can physically remain in the state for the majority of your domicile period

Iowa Reciprocity Agreements:

Iowa is a non-participating member state of the Midwest Student Exchange Program which is a limited regional reciprocity agreement among select Midwestern States. No reciprocity benefits for those coming or going to Iowa.

See Tuition Reciprocity Agreements Explained

See Tuition Reciprocity Agreements Overpromise & Under-Deliver

University-Specific Overviews Below:

Below please find links to in-state overviews for select universities in Iowa. If your college is not highlighted, then please consider buying a University-Specific Nutshell Report or see all available university-specific in-state overviews.

Popular Universities in Iowa:

Iowa State University-Ames

University of Iowa-Iowa City

Other Universities in Iowa:

University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine-Iowa City
University of Northern Iowa-Cedar Falls