Iowa State University
About Iowa State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Iowa State University is a public research university in Ames, Iowa. It is a leader in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine and was one of the first land-grant universities in the country. The campus is known for its tree-lined central area and public art collection.
Founded
1858
Location
Ames, Iowa
Students
30,119
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
75.3%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$10,787
Out-of-state: $28,881
Avg Net Price
$18,589
After financial aid
SAT Average
1204
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,386
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Iowa State University accepts the majority of applicants at 88.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1204/ 1600
ACT Scores
25/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
75.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
87.6%
4-Year Grad
51%
6-Year Grad
76%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
84.3%
$/Student
$12.3K
Class Size
Medium
While 51% finish in 4 years, 87.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,787
In-State
$28,881
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,808
Books & Supplies
$700
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,018
After Financial Aid
$18,589
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,582
Receive Grants
18.8%
Take Loans
43.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,018/yr for in-state students, including $10,808 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,589. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $28,881.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Iowa State University fund their education.
While in School
18.8%
Get Grants
Free money
43.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$76,488
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,869
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$242/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,869 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Iowa State University.
Gender
44.8%
Female
55%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
25,367
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,752
Graduates
19.9%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.4%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 19.9% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
25,367
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Iowa State University fields 11 varsity teams with 609 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Twelve
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
609
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
331
Men
278
Women
5
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Iowa State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,386
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Mechanical Engineering
$73K
356 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$57K
345 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$48K
331 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$36K
250 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
246 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Engineering
$79K
243 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $54K at six years, $49K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Iowa State University
What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?▾
How much does Iowa State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Iowa State University?▾
How much do Iowa State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.