<p>what is the difference between the two/ their advantages and disadvantages mostly academics but other variables anyone wants to mention</p>
<p>I haven’t been to Iowa City but I have been to Kirksville. It is pretty small, not really what I would call a college town. However, almost all of the students I have known who attend Truman State like the school very much and say they find plenty to do on campus.</p>
<p>Truman State is really more of a 4-yr. college than a university, despite its name; what that means is that there is a very strong focus on undergraduate education. Students get to know the professors.</p>
<p>My daughter would have attended if the particular program she wanted had been stronger. She says she would not have minded Kirksville.</p>
<p>Have you visited both of the schools?</p>
<p>I would go to Truman State</p>
<p>^ I would go to U Iowa, but I don’t think it does much good for the OP to just hear me say so.</p>
<p>If you want a LAC-like experience, Truman State would be the right choice.<br>
If you want a Big 10 experience, Iowa would be the right choice.
If you want to major in an area where Iowa excels (writing, physics, etc.), Iowa would be a good choice.<br>
If you want to major in engineering, why are you considering Truman State?
Neither are in big cities, but if you want a more cosmopolitan/urban vibe, Iowa City is larger and more diverse.
If either one is significantly cheaper, that would be incentive to choose it.</p>
<p>Overall, I think U Iowa has more to offer unless you really want the small-school experience or unless Truman State is drastically more affordable for your family. But there are many factors to consider.</p>