Public Institution

Iowa State University — Ames, Iowa

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Annual Tuition $10,497

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 89.1%

Open Admission

Enrollment 25,033

Active Students

Avg. Salary $63,386

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Ames, Iowa
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 1/1/1966

Academic Mission & Environment

"Iowa State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Ames, providing a robust academic foundation for 25,033 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Iowa State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Iowa State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Engineering
22%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
18.2%

Enrollment Share

Agriculture
9.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
5.9%

Enrollment Share

Education
4.9%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
4.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Agriculture College

The Agriculture program at Iowa State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Iowa State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 89.1%
Difficulty Low

Iowa State University maintains an acceptance rate of 89.1%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 55.6%
Women Enrollment 44.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 550 - 660
SAT Mathematics 560 - 690
ACT English 19 - 27
ACT Mathematics 19 - 27
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Iowa State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $10,497
Out-of-State Tuition $27,683

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 18.5%
Median Student Debt $22,869

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $10,497, graduates see a median starting salary of $63,386, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Iowa.

What salary can Iowa State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $63,386

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 75.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,165
Median Salary (6yr) $53,873
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Iowa State University in Ames?

25,033 Students

Gender Comparison

55.6% Men
44.4% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

87.6%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
4.4%
Black
2.6%
White
77.1%
Unknown
2.1%
Hispanic
7.2%
Two or More Races
3.1%
International
3.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 19.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 40.9%
🎖️
Veterans 0.2%
💍
Married Students 1.7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 69.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $61,269
Average Family Income $88,654
Median Family Income $76,488

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

58.6%
41.4%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Ames Campus Environment

Located at 1750 Beardshear Hall, Iowa State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Iowa. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Iowa State University compare?

Direct Comparison Iowa State University vs PCI Academy-Ames →

Common Questions about Iowa State University

Is Iowa State University a good college in Ames, Iowa?
Iowa State University is a recognized institution in Ames with an enrollment of 25,033 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Iowa.
Is Iowa State University worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $63,386 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Iowa State University cost for Iowa residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Iowa State University is approximately $10,497. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $27,683. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Iowa State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Iowa State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 40.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Iowa State University good for Engineering and Business & Marketing programs?
Iowa State University reports program activity in Engineering and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Iowa State University?
Graduates of Iowa State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Engineering. With a median salary of $63,386, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Iowa State University?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Iowa State University's official admissions website.
Does Iowa State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Iowa State University's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Iowa State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Iowa State University earn a median salary of $63,386 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Iowa State University a good investment compared to other IA colleges?
Compare Iowa State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Iowa to judge value for your goals.
Where is Iowa State University located and what is the campus like?
Iowa State University is located at 1750 Beardshear Hall in Ames, IA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 25,033 learners.
Who typically attends Iowa State University in Ames, IA?
The student body at Iowa State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 19.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Iowa

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Iowa State University with other leading institutions in Iowa across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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