Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA ranked #274 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 25,033 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.1%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 87.6% first-year retention, and 75.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $18,165, about $1,167 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -25.9%, roughly 111.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $53,873. That's about $10,185 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Iowa State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Iowa State University graduates 75.5% of students within six years and keeps 87.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Iowa State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,497 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,091 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,726 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,890 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,309 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.5% of Iowa State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,734 to $21,827 depending on family income. Use Iowa State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,807/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,827/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $53,873
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,873
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 75.9%
- Employment Rate 93.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Iowa State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Iowa State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Iowa State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Iowa State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Iowa State University graduates earn $53,873 median, the -25.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 550-660
- SAT Math 560-690
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 25,033
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 87.6%
- Graduation Rate 75.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Iowa State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Iowa State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.1%, Iowa State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.1% acceptance rate, Iowa State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Iowa State University undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Marketing draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 5.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.9%
- Marketing 4.5%
- Computer Engineering 4.0%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.5%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 3.3%
See more majors
- Agricultural Business and Management 3.1%
- Animal Sciences 3.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $111,313
- 2. Computer Science $108,762
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $107,338
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $96,097
- 5. Construction Engineering $95,401
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $92,551
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $88,697
- 8. Industrial Engineering $88,344
- 9. Materials Engineering $87,838
- 10. Civil Engineering $86,261
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $137,692
- 2. Industrial Engineering (Master's Degree) $127,889
- 3. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $122,139
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $108,813
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $104,181
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $88,648
- 7. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $87,741
- 8. Plant Sciences (Master's Degree) $85,118
- 9. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $79,098
- 10. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $70,782
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $111,313—29% more than Civil Engineering ($86,261). Graduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering programs lead with $137,692 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Iowa State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 429 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 360 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 328 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 295 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 254 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (86 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Computer Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Design and Applied Arts
- Animal Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Chemical Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Apparel and Textiles
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Journalism
- Agricultural Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Materials Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- International Agriculture
- Food Science and Technology
- Economics
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Sociology
- Genetics
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Nutrition Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Forestry
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Philosophy
- International Business
- Area Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Music
- Public Administration
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Computational Science
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Architecture
- Sustainability Studies
Online Master's Degrees (77 programs)▼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Engineering Mechanics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer Science
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biology, General
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Design and Applied Arts
- Statistics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Journalism
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Food Science and Technology
- Chemistry
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Landscape Architecture
- English Language and Literature, General
- Public Administration
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Education, General
- Soil Sciences
- Physics
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- History
- Environmental Design
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Sociology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Gerontology
- Genetics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Special Education and Teaching
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mathematics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Forestry
- Economics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Applied Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sustainability Studies
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Public Policy Analysis
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Biotechnology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Architecture
- Accounting and Related Services
- Real Estate
Online Doctoral Degrees (61 programs)▼
- Engineering Mechanics
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Statistics
- Computer Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Economics
- Chemical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Genetics
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Human Computer Interaction
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Sociology
- Industrial Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Science
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Food Science and Technology
- Electromechanical Engineering
- Education, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Animal Sciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Apparel and Textiles
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Soil Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Gerontology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biotechnology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Forestry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (34 programs)▼
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Public Administration
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Psychology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Industrial Engineering
- Education, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computational Science
- Civil Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Security Science and Technology
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Gerontology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Computer Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Apparel and Textiles
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Soil Sciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 25,033
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 55.6%
- Female Students 44.4%
- Caucasian 77.1%
- Asian 4.4%
- Hispanic 7.2%
- Black 2.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Iowa State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Iowa State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Iowa State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Iowa State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 77.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 18.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Iowa State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Iowa State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Iowa State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #274 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,165 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $53,873 median earnings. The 75.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 87.6% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Iowa State University's Strengths
Ranked #274 with a A- grade, Iowa State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Iowa State University excel at providing affordable education ($18,165 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Iowa State University's 87.6% retention and 75.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($53,873 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Iowa State University and $18,165 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 75.5% six-year graduation rate sits 13.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.6% first-year retention is 10.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -25.9% return on investment is 111.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $53,873 run about 23% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,165 is roughly $1,047 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.6% employment rate within three years sits 25.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $18,165 is about $1,047 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.5% trails the national share by 20.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University operates as a public university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It appears at #274 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A-, Support B, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
87.6% of learners come back after year one while 75.5% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -25.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,165 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,309.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,144 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $53,873 six years after enrollment. That sits about 23% above the national median.
Roughly 93.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -25.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Iowa State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Ames, IA 50011-2103
- Website www.iastate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$1.41B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.5%