Gaining the IOWA EDGE
The Iowa Edge program is a donor-funded initiative designed to support students as they transition to the University of Iowa. Through networking and community-building activities, participants engage in sessions that provide the knowledge and skills needed for a successful start as Hawkeyes.
This free program is open to all new and transfer students, with a focus on supporting individuals from low-income areas, rural areas, and first-generation students. The Iowa Edge program will select up to 150 participants for the Fall 2026 cohort.
Iowa Edge begins before your first semester at the University of Iowa to help with the transition to the campus. Here is what you can look forward to in the pre-semester experience:
- Networking: Forge connections with faculty and campus leaders ready to guide you.
- Community: Join a vibrant group of peers and start building lifelong friendships.
- Iowa Ready: Further skills that will propel you to success in your academics at the University of Iowa.
Kick off your first day of classes feeling confident and prepared,
paving your way to becoming a proud University of Iowa alum.
How to Apply
- The Iowa Edge application for Fall 2026 is not yet available.
- The program will admit up to 150 students.
Submit Application
Applications are currently closed.
Go to MyUI, select Admissions Profile, locate and fill out the Iowa Edge Application.
FAQ's
How to Apply
To apply for the Iowa Edge, please follow these steps:
- Go to MyUI
- Select Admissions Profile
- Locate and fill out the Iowa Edge Application
- For questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Pathways to Excellence Office at ui-pathways@uiowa.edu
Applications typically become available in March
What date/time should I arrive on campus if I am selected for the Iowa Edge Program?
Students will check in for the Iowa Edge program, and Iowa Edge staff will request move-in times for participants from University Housing & Dining for the morning of the first day of move-in. For students living off-campus, please make sure to be in Iowa City by the start of the program.
Will our meal plan be active during the program, or do we have to pay for our meals?
During the Iowa Edge program, most meals are provided by the program, but students may also need to depend on their meal plans for some meals. For students without meal plans, meal tickets to dining halls will be provided.
Is there an itinerary of activities?
Families and students will be provided with itineraries for the program during check-in on Sunday. Until we release the official itineraries, you can expect there to be arrangements for participants to interact with faculty and professors, tours of many important buildings and resource offices, leadership training and classroom experiences, and sessions on financial literacy, study skills, and career paths.
I might miss a day of the Iowa Edge Program date. Can I still apply for the program?
Since the Iowa Edge program is limited in the number of students who can participate fully, we can only accept students who can commit to completing the program in its entirety.
I am participating in the Honors Primetime program, Hawkeye Marching Band, or another program with conflicting times with the Iowa Edge Program. Can I still participate in Iowa Edge and my other program simultaneously?
Honors Primetime has options for students to choose from. If you would like to participate in Iowa Edge and Honors Primetime, select Option 2 as described on the Honors Primetime website.
Unfortunately, due to significant time overlaps, students can’t participate in the Iowa Edge program if they participate in Hawkeye Marching Band or any other conflicting program.
Who are the Peer Leaders and what do they do?
Peer Leaders are trained to provide a person-centered, community-centered orientation to university life the week before classes begin for students who face challenging issues of transition. Iowa Edge peer leaders directly address and positively impact these students’ rates of persistence, retention, and graduation.
