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Iowa State University

ISU

Ames, Iowa 50011-2103

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Campus Vibe

Large UniversityUrbanPublicEngineering Focus

Known for engineering — major research university

Iowa State University is a public institution in Ames with particular strength in engineering and business. With an average SAT of 1199, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 25K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

75% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $63,386 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,165.

Established
1858
Motto
"Science with Practice"
Mascot
Cy the Cardinal
Type
Public land-grant research university
Conference
Big 12 Conference and compete
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

9 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
89%Acceptance
1199SAT Avg
25,033Students
18:1Student:Faculty
75%Grad Rate
$63,386Earnings 10yr
$18,165Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Iowa State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate89.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1199

Reading & WritingMid: 595
550660
MathMid: 612
560690

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 25
2128

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

89.1%

Trend

SAT Avg

1199

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$10,497
Tuition (out-of-state)$27,683
Room & Board$9,726
Books & Supplies$1,091
Total Cost of Attendance$23,309
Average Net Price$18,165
Median Debt at Graduation$22,869
Monthly Payment (10yr)$242

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,734
$30–48K$12,465
$48–75K$15,430
$75–110K$19,807
$110K+$21,827

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$18,165

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

54.1%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$18,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

191

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (323)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
25,033
Gender Split
44% / 56%
Women / Men
First Generation
20%
Pell Grant Recipients
18%

Race & Ethnicity

White 77%
Black 3%
Hispanic 7%
Asian 4%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate75.5%
Freshman Retention87.6%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$53,873
8 Years$59,021
10 Years$63,386

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$46,600
Men
$63,400

Rankings

U.S. News
#117
Forbes
#146
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#238

More About This School

Varsity Sports — stuck

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Iowa State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications

Iowa State University — v2 Preview — TourStack