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Iowa State University

Ames, IA·Public·25,033 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $56,000 within 10 years; strong 75% graduation rate.

89%
Accept
25,033
Students
$18,165
Net Price
75%
Grad Rate
$56,000
Earnings
10 yr
$18,750
Debt

About This School

Iowa State University is a public institution located in Ames, Iowa with approximately 25,033 undergraduate students enrolled. Iowa State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 89%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,165 per year. The graduation rate is 75%, and the typical graduate earns $56,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, Iowa State became one of the nation's first designated land-grant institutions when the Iowa Legislature accepted the provisions of the 1862 Morrill Act on September 11, 1862. On July 4, 1959, the college was officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

This is a strong option for students pursuing engineering, agriculture, or business, offering a well-regarded land-grant education at a relatively affordable $18,165/year net price — and with an 89% acceptance rate, it's accessible to a wide range of applicants. The debt-to-earnings picture is reasonable: median debt of $18,750 against $56,000 in earnings 10 years out is a manageable ratio. The one number worth watching is the 75% graduation rate — not alarming, but it suggests roughly 1 in 4 students don't finish, so incoming students should have a clear plan and use campus support early.

Founded
1858
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Engineering22%
Business & Marketing18%
Biological Sciences6%
Education5%
Computer Science4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Psychology4%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Henry A. WallaceGeorge Washington CarverLee Teng-huiJohn Vincent AtanasoffJohn GarangNawal El MoutawakelCarrie Chapman CattFlorin CîțuTyrese HaliburtonJoni ErnstClayton AndersonKim Reynolds

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1199
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile690

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,497
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,683
Avg Net Price
$18,165
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$18,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
75%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White77%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (25,033 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Iowa State University

1750 Beardshear Hall

Ames, IA 50011-2103

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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