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ISU

Iowa State University

location_onAmes, IA

PublicCity: SmallYellow Ribbon

open_in_newVisit Site

89%

Acceptance Rate

25,367

Total Students

$29k

Sticker Price

75%

Grad Rate

$63k

Median Salary

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Data as of May 2026

🎯Can I Get In?

89%

Accessible

Acceptance Rate

Tests Required

89% accept rateNat'l avg: 66%

SAT Range1120–1360

ACT Range21–28

GPA Avg3.6

payments$55 application fee

groups25,367 students enrolled

schoolPublic · City: Small

Your MatchPlus Feature

89% acceptance rate. Compare your scores against admitted students — is this a Match, Reach, or Safety for you?

💰Can I Afford It?

Sticker Price

$28,881

Net Price

Not reported

$22,869Avg Debt

≈ $191/mo for 10 yrs

Avg salary after graduation$63,386/yr

Debt-to-income ratio36% (healthy)

Avg debt below national average ($29,400)

Your Net Price EstimatePlus Feature

Most families overpay for college. See what Iowa State University actually costs for your income level.

💜Why Go Here?

Graduation Rate75%

Nat'l avg: 62%

Retention Rate88%

Nat'l avg: 68%

$63k

Avg Salary

↑ Above $46k avg

18:1

Faculty Ratio

Average

25.4k

Students

Large

schoolPublic · City: Small

Your Fit ScorePlus Feature

With a 75% graduation rate, Iowa State University beats most colleges. See if it fits your goals.

🏆How Does It Stack Up?

#117

US News

Top 150

#75

Forbes

Top 100

Deal Score69

Good Value

diversity_120% First-Gen Students

trending_up100% Loan Repayment Rate

account_balance19% Pell Grant Recipients

CD Quality ScoresPlus Feature

See how Iowa State University ranks on value, outcomes, and student satisfaction with our proprietary analysis

Get Plus →

156Days

scheduleApplication Countdown

Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, 2026

You have time to research and prepare thoroughly.

auto_awesomeAt a Glance

Iowa State University is a public institution located in Ames, IA. With approximately 25,367 students, the university offers a range of academic programs and opportunities for student growth.

Deal Score

69.17

/ 100

Good Value

Based on cost, earnings, & outcomes

Academics & Admissions

Faculty-Student Ratio

18:1

Test Score Ranges

1240

SAT

3.6

GPA

Class Sizes

Medium

based on faculty ratio

Application Deadline

Rolling

via Common Application

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price$28,881

Room & Board$10,808

Avg Grad Debt$22,869

Popular Majors

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$85k/yr

Computer Engineering$79k/yr

Computer Science$79k/yr

Construction Engineering$78k/yr

Chemical Engineering$76k/yr

Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering$75k/yr

How to Apply

Apply via

descriptionCommon Application

$55 fee

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paymentsFinancial Aid calculateNet Price Calculator

workExplore Careers

Discover careers related to Iowa State University's top programs

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$85k/yr Computer Engineering$79k/yr Computer Science$79k/yr Construction Engineering$78k/yr

boltThe Vibe

"Iowa State University offers a dynamic environment focused on student success and academic growth."

Rigor

Career

Social

Value

Signature StrengthGlobal Impact

Iowa State University
Innovation Engine

A Tier-1 Research Powerhouse driving global discovery. Undergraduate students work alongside world-class faculty to solve humanity's toughest challenges.

attach_money

Funding

Federal + Private

science

Discovery

Research Centers

public

Impact

Patents & Innovations

Carnegie Classification

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Undergrad Research