Iowa’s Public Universities Celebrate a New Generation of Graduates

More than 4,000 students from across the U.S. and the world complete their degrees as the fall semester ends.

Des Moines, Iowa, 19 December 2025 – As the fall 2025 semester comes to a close, Iowa’s public universities are celebrating a major academic milestone. More than 4,000 students from Iowa, across the United States, and from around the world are set to earn their degrees from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Commencement ceremonies this week mark years of hard work, resilience, and achievement for students completing undergraduate and graduate programs. University leaders are recognizing not only academic success, but also the diversity and determination of this graduating class.

University of Iowa graduates reflect global diversity

The University of Iowa will award degrees to 1,691 students, including 1,113 undergraduates and 578 graduate students. This year’s graduating class represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and academic interests.

Students earning degrees at the University of Iowa come from 67 Iowa counties, 36 U.S. states and territories, and 46 countries outside the United States. In total, the graduating group reflects 67 countries worldwide.

Nearly one-quarter of undergraduate graduates identify as first-generation college students, and 15 percent are completing multiple majors. The average undergraduate cumulative grade point average for this class stands at 3.27.

The university also highlighted its student veterans, with 44 graduates identifying as having served in the military. Ages among graduates range from 19 to 65, showing that higher education continues to serve learners at every stage of life.

Academic programs represented include business analytics, finance, marketing, nursing, psychology, exercise science, accounting, and information systems, among many others.

University of Northern Iowa celebrates statewide impact

The University of Northern Iowa will graduate 688 students this fall. Of these, 610 are undergraduate students, and 78 are completing graduate degrees.

UNI graduates come from 90 Iowa counties, 14 U.S. states, and nine countries. Iowa residents make up the majority of the graduating class, reflecting the university’s strong role in serving the state’s communities.

Close to one-third of undergraduate graduates identify as first-generation students, and nearly one in five completed more than one major. The average undergraduate grade point average for this group is 3.38.

UNI’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences produced the highest number of graduates this semester, followed by the Colleges of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Education. The university also recognized 25 graduating student veterans.

Iowa State University marks a leadership milestone

Iowa State University announced that 1,803 students are completing their degrees this fall. This includes 1,462 bachelor’s degree recipients and 341 students earning master’s or doctoral degrees.

This commencement holds special meaning, as it marks the final graduation ceremony for outgoing ISU President Wendy Wintersteen. During her tenure, the university has graduated more than 60,000 students.

University leaders noted the significance of this moment for both students and faculty, highlighting the continued growth and academic strength of Iowa State University.

A shared moment of achievement

Across all three universities, the fall 2025 graduating class reflects the changing face of higher education. First-generation students, veterans, international learners, and multi-major graduates all played a role in shaping this diverse academic community.

As students prepare to move into careers, advanced studies, or new opportunities, university officials emphasized the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and community impact.

The ceremonies not only celebrate individual success but also highlight the role of public universities in preparing skilled, educated, and engaged citizens for the future.

• By Editorial Panel
• 19 Dec 2025