A Valuable Public Education that's also Affordable (Blog)

Since its inception in 1847, the University of Iowa has been the state’s top public institution, and consistently one of the nation’s best. Currently, the University of Iowa is ranked as the 28th best public university in the nation, and 72nd overall. The university’s undergraduate and graduate programs, alike, boast some of the most impressive statistics in all of higher education.

The University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop is the top fiction writing program in the nation, having produced seventeen Pulitzer Prize winners, with another eleven serving as professors. The university has made great contributions to the state in medicine, dentistry, education and law. 100 percent of Iowa counties have UI trained nurses, teachers and lawyers. There are Hawkeye engineers in 91 counties, dentists in 92 counties, and physicians in 88 counties. U.S. New and World Report has consistently ranked the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as one of America’s top hospitals for 21 years. Iowa truly is the Hawkeye State.

Dollar for dollar, the UI continues to be recognized as one of the best public educational values for the overall cost in the nation, according to Kiplinger. These few statistics, out of many, clearly show that the University of Iowa produces quality individuals that can positively contribute to their fields locally, nationally, and even globally.

The University of Iowa has also faced challenges in the past. Amidst the global economic downturn in 2008, the University of Iowa was devastated during the flood of 2008. While private donations are undeniably helpful, it is our state and federal legislators, as well as the Board of Regents, that have continually supported the university in restoring our damaged buildings, while also giving us the funds necessary to maintain our world-class status. As students, faculty, staff, and alumni, it is our job to thank them for helping preserve our institution.

In these tough economic times, the state and federal legislators are doing their best to ensure we live within our means, while providing world-class services to their constituents. It is imperative for the success of our university that members of our community come together and speak with our legislators, continually thanking them for current and future support of our institution. By joining the Hawkeye Caucus you have the opportunity to truly make a difference, and have your voice heard loudly in Des Moines and Washington, D.C.

The Hawkeye Caucus is a student-run advocacy group that encourages students to get involved and understand how their education is influenced at the state and federal levels. The Hawkeye Caucus engages with both state and federal legislators through activities both off and on campus including: email campaign blitzes to state legislators, hosting legislators on campus, as well as visiting Des Moines and Washington D.C. we are currently asking state legislators to support an in-state tuition freeze for undergraduate students and a minimal tuition rise for out-of-state students because we believe a valuable public education should continue to be affordable. 

Hawkeye Caucus provides an opportunity for us to have our voices heard in Des Moines so that those who represent us know that they’re advocating for our futures.

To learn more about the Hawkeye Caucus, please visit hawkeyecaucus.com and find us on Facebook and Twitter.