Iowa State University
Iowa State University at a Glance
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.
| 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% |
What Students Study at Iowa State University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the share of degrees awarded.
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 |
Student Demographics
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.
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 |
GPA Profile of Admitted Students at Iowa State University
High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.
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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa State University
More About Iowa State University
Other Colleges in IA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Iowa State University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.