A conviction for DUI/DWI can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, including the denial of an application for admission to a college, university, or other school. A DUI/DWI can also be the basis for probation, suspension, or expulsion from a college, university, or other school—and loss of scholarships—especially if it is the student’s second (or more) DUI/DWI conviction.

Consequences for a DUI/DWI conviction vary from school to school and may also depend on whether the conviction was for a misdemeanor or a more serious felony charge.

In Iowa, a conviction for DUI (driving under the influence), also referred to as OWI (operating while intoxicated), can indeed have significant and enduring impacts on an individual's educational opportunities. Educational institutions in Iowa have the discretion to consider an applicant's criminal history, including DUI/OWI convictions, when making admission decisions. The severity of the impact often depends on the institution's policies, the nature of the offense (misdemeanor or felony), and the number of offenses on the individual's record. For current students, a DUI/OWI conviction can lead to disciplinary actions such as probation, suspension, or expulsion, based on the school's code of conduct. Additionally, students may face the loss of scholarships or financial aid, particularly if they have multiple DUI/OWI convictions. Each educational institution in Iowa may have different policies regarding the handling of DUI/OWI convictions, so it is important for individuals to review the specific policies of the schools they are interested in attending or are currently enrolled in.