Average SAT & ACT Scores for Iowa State University
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
550
660
605
SAT Math
560
690
625
SAT Total
1110
1350
1230
ACT Composite
21
28
24
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
22,995
Students Admitted
20,496
Students Enrolled
5,859
Yield Rate
28.6%
Iowa State University Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#115
2025
Iowa State University Overview
Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA with 32,126 students. With a 89.1% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Engineering, Business/Marketing, and Agriculture. Graduates earn a median of $63,386 ten years after enrollment.
Is Iowa State University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
Iowa State University accepts 89.1% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
Your Profile
Iowa State University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
Iowa State University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Iowa State. Families earning $0-30k pay around $10,582 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $22,496. 18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Iowa State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $22,869, which is reasonable against the $53,873 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$10,582
$42,328
$30-48k
$11,506
$46,024
$48-75k
$15,463
$61,852
$75-110k
$19,605
$78,420
$110k+
$22,496
$89,984
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$9,726
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,018
Popular Majors at Iowa State University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Engineering
20.5%
Business/Marketing
19.4%
Agriculture
9.5%
Biological Sciences
5.6%
Education
5.4%
Computer Science
4.3%
Parks/Recreation
3.9%
Psychology
3.8%
Visual/Performing Arts
3.6%
Communication
3.0%
Social Sciences
2.5%
Family Sciences
2.3%
Student Demographics
White
76.4%
Black/African American
2.8%
Hispanic/Latino
7.1%
Asian
4.3%
International
3.5%
How to Get Into Iowa State University
Iowa State is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — Iowa State still offers strong programs and outcomes. Graduates earn $63,386 within 10 years, making it a solid return on investment.
1230
Target SAT Score
24
Target ACT Score
89.1%
Acceptance Rate
22,995
Total Applicants
What Iowa State University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Considered
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Considered
Talent Ability
Considered
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Not Considered
Volunteer Work
Not Considered
Iowa State University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Iowa State University Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Regular Decision
Rolling
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Rolling Admissions: Iowa State University reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
18.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$22,869
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$53,873
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa State University
What is Iowa State's acceptance rate?
Iowa State has an acceptance rate of 89.1%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Iowa State?
The middle 50% SAT range at Iowa State is 1110-1350. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 21-28. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Iowa State?
The most popular majors at Iowa State by degrees awarded are: Engineering (20.5%), Business/Marketing (19.4%), Agriculture (9.5%), Biological Sciences (5.6%), Education (5.4%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Iowa State graduates earn?
Iowa State graduates earn a median salary of $63,386 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Iowa State worth the cost?
With median earnings of $63,386 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $22,869, The earning potential is favorable relative to debt, though ROI depends heavily on your chosen major. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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