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Iowa State University

Public
Ames, IA
City
OverviewTuition & CostsReturn on EducationAdmissionsMajors & DegreesStudentsReviews
  1. Colleges
  2. Catalog
  3. Iowa State University

Estimated Net Cost
Average for college across all majors
 

(per year)
$18k

Estimated Post Grad Salary
Average for college across all majors
 

(per year)
$58k

Return on Education

(post 4-year graduation)
Excellent
Iowa State University is a public university located in Ames, Iowa, founded in 1858. Known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, it is perceived as a prestigious research institution with a focus on innovation and sustainability. One unique aspect is its beautiful campus featuring a landmark campanile tower that chimes throughout the day.

Pros

  • Strong focus on research

  • Diverse range of academic programs

  • Vibrant campus life

  • Supportive community and resources for students

Cons

  • Weather can be harsh in winter

  • Potentially high cost of living

  • Limited nightlife options

  • Some programs may have large class sizes

Tuition and Costs

Most Recent Tuition Costs

Understanding Tuition Costs at Iowa State University: Navigating college expenses doesn't have to be complicated. Our comprehensive guide to tuition, fees, and other associated costs breaks down everything you need to know about financing your education at Iowa State University. Find out how we make higher education affordable and what financial options are available to you.

Yearly4 years
Tuition and Fees
Average Tuition, including fees before grants and scholarships.
 
$10,497$41,988
Room and Board
This is the average, based on staying on-campus
 
$9,726$38,904
Books and Supplies
The expenditure on books and supplies for an average student at Iowa State University
 
$1,091$4,364
Other expenses
The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office at Iowa State University) needed by a student to cover expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
 
$2,890$11,560
Sticker Price$24,204$96,816

Historical Tuition Costs

Based on historical data, in-state tuition is expected to rise by approximately $292 per year over the next three years, reaching $10,707 in 2024, and $10,999 in 2025, and $11,290 in 2026.

Return On Education

Admissions

Iowa State University admissions is not very selective with an acceptance rate of 90%. Typically, admitted students score between 1090-1350 on the SAT or 21-28 on the ACT. The application deadline can be found the the institutions website.

90%Admission Rate
75%Graduation Rate

Admissions Requirements

SAT Range
1090 - 1350
ACT Range21 - 28
High School GPA

N/A

Key dates

Application DeadlineSee college website
Early Decision DateSee college website
Early Action DateSee college website

Majors & Degrees

Engineering⌄
ProgramGraduatesEst. Median Earnings
AerospaceN/A$0k
Chemical EngineeringN/A$0k
Civil EngineeringN/A$78k
Computer EngineeringN/A$0k
Electrical EngineeringN/A$112k
Mechanical EngineeringN/A$101k
Material EngineeringN/A$0k
Systems EngineeringN/A$0k
Industrial EngineeringN/A$104k
Energy SystemsN/A$0k
BiotechnologyN/A$0k
History⌄
ProgramGraduatesEst. Median Earnings
Historic Preservation & ConservationN/A$0k
Political ScienceN/A$0k
Education⌄
ProgramGraduatesEst. Median Earnings
Curriculum & InstructionN/A$0k
Education AdministrationN/A$0k
Education AssessmentN/A$0k
Special EducationN/A$0k
TeachingN/A$0k
Physical EducationN/A$0k
Biology⌄
ProgramGraduatesEst. Median Earnings
Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyN/A$0k
BiomathematicsN/A$0k
EcologyN/A$0k
Mathematics⌄
ProgramGraduatesEst. Median Earnings
Applied MathematicsN/A$0k
StatisticsN/A$0k
Business⌄
ProgramGraduatesEst. Median Earnings
FinanceN/A$0k
MarketingN/A$0k

Student Life

Key information regarding Iowa State University's total enrollment and faculty.

Student Breakdown

Total Enrollment5,859
Full-time Students5,794
Part-time Students65

Faculty

Faculty-Student Ratio:18:1
Full-Time FacultyN/A
Part-Time FacultyN/A

Reviews and Ratings

For complete transparency we combine scores from across the web to give you a true picture of what students think about Iowa State University. Additionally, we have our own score which can be used alongside these external sources.

Tuition Covered Rating
(4.6)
Niche
(3.9)
US News
(5.0)

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Investing in higher education is a pivotal step towards future prosperity. It's essential to weigh the upfront costs against the potential for increased lifetime earnings and career opportunities. Our ROEdu score aims to help you understand tuition, living expenses, and financial aid, alongside the long-term benefits of earning a degree. By making informed decisions about where and what you study, you can maximize the return on your educational investment, turning the cost of your degree into a foundation for future success and financial security.

RoEDU
957
Iowa State University stands in the premier league, positioned within the top institutions for return on education, delivering unparalleled value and setting its graduates on a path to remarkable success.