Iowa State University
Ames, IA · City · 25,367 students
4
YearPublic
City
Large (10k+)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About
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Location
Ames, IA, 50011-2103 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
OMA · Omaha
126 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$24,018
Out-of-state COA
$42,112
Avg net price
$18,589
Room & board
$10,808
In-state tuition
$10,787
Out-of-state tuition
$28,881
Books & supplies
$700/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$10,582
$30–48k
$11,506
$48–75k
$15,463
$75–110k
$19,605
$110k+
$22,496
Admissions
Admit rate
89%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1204
Reading 560–670
Math 560–690
ACT midpoint
25
Composite 21–28
English 20–27
Math 20–27
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600
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Essay Requirements
Iowa State University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
1st-yr retention
88%
Transfer-out rate
18%
Consumer completion
74%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
76%
Transferred
17%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
6%
Median earnings (6yr)
$53,873
Median earnings (10yr)
$63,386
Median debt
$22,869
Monthly loan payment
$242
Debt range (25th–75th)
$8,250–$27,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$32,500
Student Body
Men 55%Women 45%
18
:1
Student : Faculty ratio
■Students ■ Faculty
Pell grant recipients
19%
First-generation
20%
Median family income
$76,488
Independent students
8%
Veterans
0%
Avg age at entry
20.0
Part-time students
4%
Race & ethnicity
White
75%
Hispanic
7%
Black
2%
Asian
4%
Two or more
3%
Non-resident
4%
Unknown
4%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$53,873
10 years after entry
$63,386
356
345
331
250
246
243
235
231
216
212
177
174
158
123
121
118
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$1.6B
Classification
R1: Very High Research
Full-time faculty
84%
Avg faculty salary
$12,702/mo
Instructional spend/student
$12,347
Federal loan rate
43%
🎓 Wondering if Iowa State University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalised college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.
✅Personalised reach / match / safety list
💰Financial aid & net cost estimates
🔍Deep dives on any school
🎯Scholarship search