The University of Iowa has once again clinched the top spot among public universities in the United States for its writing program, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Iowa has held this prestigious position, ranking No. 10 overall in writing in the disciplines.
Beyond its writing accolades, Iowa also shines in other disciplines, securing a No. 4 ranking in undergraduate nursing and an eighth place in insurance. The university’s overall standings place it at No. 46 among public universities and No. 100 among all institutions nationwide.
In its ongoing effort to enhance communication excellence, Iowa established the Office of Writing and Communication in 2025. This initiative aims to broaden opportunities for students to refine their communication skills throughout their academic journey at the university.
Iowa alumni win 2026 Pulitzer Prizes
Iowa’s writing prowess is further reflected in the success of its alumni. In 2026, Yiyun Li and Daniel Kraus, both Iowa graduates, won Pulitzer Prizes in memoir/autobiography and fiction, respectively. This adds to a rich legacy of over 40 Iowa-affiliated Pulitzer Prize winners. Additionally, alumni Torrey Peters and Scott Anderson were finalists in fiction and history.
President Barbara Wilson highlights the importance of writing and communication in an Iowa education, stating, “Writing and communication have always been part of what makes an Iowa education valuable, and we’re excited to build on that tradition.” She emphasizes that these skills are crucial for students’ future careers, aiding them in problem-solving and community engagement.
This fall, Iowa is taking a significant step forward with the introduction of the Writing Enriched Curriculum pilot program. Starting in the Anthropology and History departments, this initiative aims to help faculty identify and enhance the essential writing skills relevant to their fields, ultimately benefiting students across all disciplines.
The Writing Enriched Curriculum program aspires to develop a comprehensive model that can be implemented university-wide. It also aims to prepare students for working alongside emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost, states, “Iowa gives students access to nationally recognized programs in writing, health care, and business, along with the support they need to succeed.” He adds that expanding writing across disciplines supports the university’s academic mission and prepares students for a dynamic world.
The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings evaluate universities based on various factors, including student outcomes, peer assessments, faculty resources, and financial resources. The academic program rankings rely on surveys from university leaders and faculty nationwide.
Iowa’s 2027 rankings include:
- 4. Undergraduate nursing programs
- 8. Insurance
- 10. Writing in the disciplines
- 33. Undergraduate business programs
- 35. Analytics
- 37. Undergraduate psychology programs
- 39. Management
- 43. Accounting
- 46. Top public schools
- 48. Best value schools for in-state students
- 65. Undergraduate computer science programs
- 66. Best colleges for Veterans
- 67. Undergraduate engineering programs, doctorate
- 78. Undergraduate economics programs
- 100. Overall rank
For a detailed look at the rankings and methodology, visit the U.S. News website.
Read More Here
