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% |
Sticker Price vs What You Actually Pay
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.
Full Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $9,726 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $24,018 |
What You'll Actually Pay (Net Price by Income)
After financial aid, the real cost depends on your family's income. These are average net prices for students receiving aid.
| 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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt at Iowa State University
Is Iowa State University Worth the Cost? (ROI Analysis)
A ratio above 2x generally means the investment pays off. Iowa State University — 2.8x ratio is solid — most graduates can comfortably manage their student loans.
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.
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 |
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.