Iowa

Are you interested in a top rated education in the heartland of America? Iowa could be the right choice for your graduate education. Located in a friendly environment, the universities of Iowa are nationally ranked for their graduate programs, and feature top-notch facilities, programs, and advanced degree programs.

Life in Iowa

Iowa is located in the Midwest of the United States, bordered by the Mississippi River. The landscape is made up mostly of plains and is dotted with lakes throughout. The climate is classified as humid continental, with snowfall in the winter and warm temperatures in summer. Iowa is known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and you will never be at a lack of things to do in this fun-loving state. Iowa has many state parks and national forests, as well as historical sites to visit. Hunting and fishing are the most popular forms of recreation, along with camping, hiking, and water sports.

Iowa has a population of nearly 3 million. Population has shifted from rural areas to cities, with 61% of residents now living in urban areas. Iowa is known for providing a safe, affordable living environment for residents of all ages. Iowa features many major highways and most major cities also have an airport.

Graduate Education in Iowa

Iowa's higher education system consists of 19 public and 45 private institutions. It was ranked in the "Top 10 Smartest" choices by Education Rankings 2006. Iowa institutions are known to be very reasonably priced while also nationally recognized, especially in the areas of research. Larger universities allow you the option of learning with a variety of people, while smaller colleges provide an intimate feel and small class size. Some universities also offer "combined degree" program that enables students to study for two or more degrees at the same time.

Iowa is known for placing emphasis on the importance of education. Advanced degrees offered include accounting, engineering, education, and journalism, to name a few. Sixteen programs are recognized in the Top 10 programs of their kind in the United States, with institutes ranking in the Top 50 public universities nationally.

The International Graduate Student

Many graduate programs in Iowa are nationally ranked, while Iowa itself is known as a low-cost education option. Therefore, you will be getting the most for your money.

Iowa universities value the growth and diversity that the international student will bring to their institutions. Many offer programs to help integrate students into the university community. English as a Second Language courses (or ESL) are also offered to help students improve their English skills as they earn their degree. Currently, students from all over the world are perusing their graduate educations in Iowa.

Financing Your Graduate Education

Most international students will not be able to receive financial aid from the United States government. However, there are still many options available for international students at the graduate level. Interested students can apply for teaching fellowships, grants, and scholarships through their individual colleges. Education in the United States is generally seen to be more expensive than in other areas of the world, but with the sterling reputation of the US higher education system and the numerous help available, international graduate students will be investing in their future while also benefiting by learning about the world around them.

Why Iowa?

Why should you choose Iowa for your graduate studies? Iowa has much to offer an international student interested in quality of life and quality of education.

Official State of Iowa website: www.Iowa.gov
Board of Regents for the State of Iowa: www2.state.ia.us/regents/
HigherEd/highered.html

Iowa has many events and activities throughout the year, such as the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest agricultural expositions in the USA. There are other various festivals, such as the beautiful Tulip Festival held every May. The major cities in Iowa offer an exciting urban and nightlife experience that will appeal to students of any age.

Iowa is home to art and history museums, including the Des Moines Art Center and the Grout Museum of History and Science. Many small towns also feature their own museums, so a day of learning is never far away. Many large cities have symphony and drama centers that are worth visiting.

Iowa is called the state that knows "What really matters". In the case of education, Iowa knows that a high class, nationally-ranked education is what matters. The education and quality of life offered in this "Heart of America," state makes Iowa a perfect destination for your international graduate studies experience.