The University of Iowa and Grinnell College are two of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright scholars over the last 10 years, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The Fulbright program, founded in 1946 by U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright, is a cultural exchange syndicate that allows students, scholars, and professionals to teach, conduct research, study, or exercise other talents abroad, funded through scholarships and grants.
In its 79-year history, Fulbright remains one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the United States. The University of Iowa has produced 335 Fulbright U.S. student awardees. In the 2025-26 academic year, 18 UI students and alumni received Fulbright awards. Twenty-three of 32 applicants for the 2026-2027 year made it to the second round of consideration.
“Fulbright awardees are among the UI’s finest ambassadors,” said Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs, in a news release. “They exhibit the responsibility, expertise, and adaptability that represents the best of our state. Given the quality of our applicants, faculty mentors, and administrative staff, it is no surprise that Iowa has once again been named a Fulbright Top Producer.
Ten years as a Top Producer speaks to a winning formula that our entire institution can be proud of.”
The University of Iowa has a 40 percent grant recipient rate, one of the highest applicant-to-awardee ratios in the country. The school is ranked 20th nationally. The UI ranks highest in the Big Ten, surpassing Rutgers and Northwestern.
The University of Iowa was named a “top producing institution” during the 2015-2016 academic year and consistently ranks among the top producers, according to Fulbright data.
Grinnell College joins UI as state’s only top Fulbright producers
The University of Iowa and Grinnell College are the only Iowa higher education institutions to earn the honor of being top producers of Fulbright students. Since 2005, Grinnell College has had 148 Fulbright U.S. student awardees. Fifteen of Grinnell’s 21 most recent applicants have reached the semifinal stage.
The private liberal arts college has been named a top Fulbright producer for the 20th time. Data indicate that since the 2004-05 academic year, the only times Grinnell was not named a top producer were during the 2019-20 and 24-25 academic years.
“Grinnell’s commitment to intellectual curiosity, global understanding, critical thinking, and the exchange of ideas provides a strong foundation for success,” said Ann Landstrom, Fulbright Program adviser and assistant dean and director of global fellowships and awards in the Center for Careers, Life, and Service, in a news release.
Iowa colleges have been top Fulbright producers in the past
Other Iowa colleges and universities, like Drake University, Coe College, and Luther College, have previously been named top Fulbright producers. Drake has earned the honor eight times, most recently in 2017-2018, Coe College five times, most recently in 2020-21, and Luther College three times, including 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2014-15.
Universities and colleges across the state have produced hundreds of Fulbright Scholars over the years, from the likes of Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. However, the University of Iowa is the only regent university to be named a top Fulbright producer.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: These Iowa schools secure national acclaim as top Fulbright producers
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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