CAMPUS · AMES, IA · PUBLIC

Iowa State University

89.1%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

SAFETY

Iowa State University is a safety for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

89.1%

of 22,995 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$63,386

across all majors

Iowa State University at a Glance

32,126

Total Enrollment

$22,869

Median Debt

18.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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.

Full Name	Iowa State University
Location	Ames, IA 50011-2103
Type	Public
Website	iastate.edu/
Total Enrollment	32,126
Undergrad Enrollment	26,677
Female Students	44.4%

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

Popular Majors at Iowa State University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Engineering

20.5%

Business/Marketing

19.4%

Agriculture

9.5%

Biological Sciences

5.6%

Education

5.4%

Best Majors at Iowa State University →

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.

1230

Target SAT Score

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.

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.