Iowa State University

Public
AmesIA
City

Estimated Net Cost

(per year)
$18k

Estimated Post Grad Salary

(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

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.

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
$10,497$41,988
Room and Board
$9,726$38,904
Books and Supplies
$1,091$4,364
Other expenses
$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 $388 per year over the next three years, reaching $10,885 in 2024, and $11,273 in 2025, and $11,661 in 2026.

Return On Education

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.

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.

Admissions

Iowa State University admissions is not very selective with an acceptance rate of 90%. The application deadline can be found on the institution's website.
Admission Rate
90%
Graduation Rate
75%

Admissions Requirements

SAT Range
1090 - 1350
ACT Range
21 - 28
High School GPA

N/A

Key dates

Application Deadline
See college website
Early Decision Date
See college website
Early Action Date
See college website

Majors & Degrees

Explore the range of academic programs offered at this institution.
Agriculture9 programs
AgricultureUndergraduate Certificate
Farm Equipment TechnologyBachelor's Degree
Crop ProductionMaster's Degree
Crop ProductionDoctoral Degree – Research
Global AgricultureBachelor's Degree
Agricultural Public ServicesDoctoral Degree – Research
Sciences51 programs
Animal ScienceBachelor's Degree
Animal ScienceMaster's Degree
Animal ScienceDoctoral Degree – Research
Food Science & TechnologyBachelor's Degree
Food Science & TechnologyMaster's Degree
Food Science & TechnologyDoctoral Degree – Research
Food Science & TechnologyDoctoral Degree – Other
Plant ScienceBachelor's Degree
Plant ScienceMaster's Degree
Plant ScienceDoctoral Degree – Research
Plant ScienceDoctoral Degree – Other
Soil ScienceMaster's Degree
Soil ScienceDoctoral Degree – Research
Computer ScienceBachelor's Degree
Computer ScienceMaster's Degree
Computer ScienceDoctoral Degree – Research
Consumer SciencesBachelor's Degree
Consumer SciencesMaster's Degree
Consumer SciencesDoctoral Degree – Other
Family EconomicsBachelor's Degree
BotanyBachelor's Degree
BotanyMaster's Degree
BotanyDoctoral Degree – Research
Cellular BiologyMaster's Degree
Cellular BiologyDoctoral Degree – Research
MicrobiologyBachelor's Degree
MicrobiologyMaster's Degree
MicrobiologyDoctoral Degree – Research
ZoologyBachelor's Degree
ZoologyMaster's Degree
ZoologyDoctoral Degree – Research
Pharmacology & ToxicologyMaster's Degree
Pharmacology & ToxicologyDoctoral Degree – Research
NeuroscienceMaster's Degree
NeuroscienceDoctoral Degree – Research
GerontologyMaster's Degree
GerontologyDoctoral Degree – Research
GerontologyDoctoral Degree – Other
AstronomyMaster's Degree
AstronomyDoctoral Degree – Research
MeteorologyBachelor's Degree
MeteorologyMaster's Degree
MeteorologyDoctoral Degree – Research
GeologyBachelor's Degree
GeologyMaster's Degree
GeologyDoctoral Degree – Research
PsychologyBachelor's Degree
PsychologyMaster's Degree
PsychologyDoctoral Degree – Research
PsychologyDoctoral Degree – Other
Social SciencesBachelor's Degree
Veterinary5 programs
Pre-Veterinary MedicineDoctoral Degree – Professional
Veterinary Biomedical ScienceDoctoral Degree – Research
Veterinary Biomedical ScienceDoctoral Degree – Other
Veterinary MedicineDoctoral Degree – Professional
Technician4 programs
Quality & Safety TechnicianUndergraduate Certificate
Quality & Safety TechnicianDoctoral Degree – Other
Interdisciplinary3 programs
Area StudiesBachelor's Degree
Other InterdisciplinaryBachelor's Degree
Other InterdisciplinaryMaster's Degree
Natural Resources14 programs
Natural Resources ConservationBachelor's Degree
Natural Resources ConservationDoctoral Degree – Research
Environmental ManagementMaster's Degree
Environmental ManagementDoctoral Degree – Research
Environmental ManagementDoctoral Degree – Other
Fisheries ManagementMaster's Degree
Fisheries ManagementDoctoral Degree – Research
ForestryBachelor's Degree
ForestryMaster's Degree
ForestryDoctoral Degree – Research
Wildlife ManagementMaster's Degree
Wildlife ManagementDoctoral Degree – Research
Sustainability StudiesMaster's Degree
Architecture6 programs
ArchitectureBachelor's Degree
ArchitectureMaster's Degree
Landscape ArchitectureBachelor's Degree
Landscape ArchitectureMaster's Degree
Architectural TechnologyBachelor's Degree
Architectural TechnologyMaster's Degree
Urban & Community Planning4 programs
Urban PlanningBachelor's Degree
Urban PlanningMaster's Degree
Urban PlanningDoctoral Degree – Research
Urban PlanningDoctoral Degree – Other
Engineering52 programs
Environmental DesignMaster's Degree
Aerospace EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Aerospace EngineeringMaster's Degree
Aerospace EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Aerospace EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Agricultural EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Agricultural EngineeringMaster's Degree
Agricultural EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Biomedical EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Biomedical EngineeringMaster's Degree
Biomedical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Biomedical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Chemical EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Chemical EngineeringMaster's Degree
Chemical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Chemical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Civil EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Civil EngineeringMaster's Degree
Civil EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Civil EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Computer EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Computer EngineeringMaster's Degree
Computer EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Computer EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Electrical EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Electrical EngineeringMaster's Degree
Electrical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Electrical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Engineering MechanicsMaster's Degree
Engineering MechanicsDoctoral Degree – Research
Engineering MechanicsDoctoral Degree – Other
Materials EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Materials EngineeringMaster's Degree
Materials EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Mechanical EngineeringMaster's Degree
Mechanical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Systems EngineeringMaster's Degree
Systems EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Construction EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Industrial EngineeringBachelor's Degree
Industrial EngineeringMaster's Degree
Industrial EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Industrial EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Other
Electromechanical EngineeringDoctoral Degree – Research
Energy Systems EngineeringMaster's Degree
Engineering Support FieldsBachelor's Degree
Engineering Support FieldsMaster's Degree
BiotechnologyMaster's Degree
BiotechnologyDoctoral Degree – Research
BiotechnologyDoctoral Degree – Other
History6 programs
Historic PreservationMaster's Degree
Historic PreservationDoctoral Degree – Other
GeographyDoctoral Degree – Other
HistoryBachelor's Degree
HistoryMaster's Degree
HistoryDoctoral Degree – Research
Humanities4 programs
Ethnic & Cultural StudiesBachelor's Degree
Human-Computer InteractionMaster's Degree
Human-Computer InteractionDoctoral Degree – Research
Human-Computer InteractionDoctoral Degree – Other
Communications9 programs
Communication & Media StudiesBachelor's Degree
JournalismBachelor's Degree
JournalismMaster's Degree
WritingBachelor's Degree
WritingMaster's Degree
WritingDoctoral Degree – Research
Public AdministrationBachelor's Degree
Public AdministrationMaster's Degree
Public AdministrationDoctoral Degree – Other
Linguistics6 programs
PR & AdvertisingBachelor's Degree
Bilingual EducationBachelor's Degree
Language StudiesBachelor's Degree
Language StudiesDoctoral Degree – Research
Germanic LanguagesBachelor's Degree
Romance LanguagesBachelor's Degree
Computers6 programs
Computer & Information ScienceBachelor's Degree
IT ManagementMaster's Degree
IT ManagementDoctoral Degree – Other
Computational ScienceBachelor's Degree
Computational ScienceDoctoral Degree – Other
Hospitality3 programs
Hospitality ManagementBachelor's Degree
Hospitality ManagementMaster's Degree
Hospitality ManagementDoctoral Degree – Research
Education30 programs
Education GeneralMaster's Degree
Education GeneralDoctoral Degree – Research
Education GeneralDoctoral Degree – Other
Curriculum DesignBachelor's Degree
Curriculum DesignMaster's Degree
Curriculum DesignDoctoral Degree – Research
Curriculum DesignDoctoral Degree – Other
Education AdministrationMaster's Degree
Education AdministrationDoctoral Degree – Research
Education AdministrationDoctoral Degree – Other
Instructional MediaDoctoral Degree – Research
Education Assessment & EvaluationDoctoral Degree – Other
Education PhilosophyMaster's Degree
Education PhilosophyDoctoral Degree – Other
Special EducationMaster's Degree
Special EducationDoctoral Degree – Other
Teacher TrainingBachelor's Degree
Teacher TrainingMaster's Degree
Teacher TrainingDoctoral Degree – Other
Subject-Specific TeachingBachelor's Degree
Subject-Specific TeachingMaster's Degree
Subject-Specific TeachingDoctoral Degree – Research
Subject-Specific TeachingDoctoral Degree – Other
ESL TeachingMaster's Degree
ESL TeachingDoctoral Degree – Research
ESL TeachingDoctoral Degree – Other
KinesiologyBachelor's Degree
KinesiologyMaster's Degree
KinesiologyDoctoral Degree – Research
Social Work4 programs
Human DevelopmentBachelor's Degree
Human DevelopmentMaster's Degree
Human DevelopmentDoctoral Degree – Research
Human DevelopmentDoctoral Degree – Other
Health6 programs
NutritionMaster's Degree
NutritionDoctoral Degree – Research
Nutrition ScienceBachelor's Degree
Nutrition ScienceMaster's Degree
Medical AdministrationBachelor's Degree
Medical IllustrationBachelor's Degree
Apparel & Textiles4 programs
Apparel & TextilesBachelor's Degree
Apparel & TextilesMaster's Degree
Apparel & TextilesDoctoral Degree – Research
Apparel & TextilesDoctoral Degree – Other
English3 programs
English Language & LiteratureBachelor's Degree
English Language & LiteratureDoctoral Degree – Research
Liberal Arts3 programs
Liberal ArtsUndergraduate Certificate
Liberal ArtsBachelor's Degree
Liberal ArtsMaster's Degree
Biology14 programs
BiologyBachelor's Degree
BiologyMaster's Degree
BiologyDoctoral Degree – Research
Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyDoctoral Degree – Research
Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyDoctoral Degree – Other
BioinformaticsBachelor's Degree
BioinformaticsMaster's Degree
BioinformaticsDoctoral Degree – Research
EcologyBachelor's Degree
EcologyMaster's Degree
EcologyDoctoral Degree – Research
ChiropracticBachelor's Degree
Genetics3 programs
GeneticsBachelor's Degree
GeneticsMaster's Degree
GeneticsDoctoral Degree – Research
Mathematics12 programs
MathematicsBachelor's Degree
MathematicsMaster's Degree
MathematicsDoctoral Degree – Research
MathematicsDoctoral Degree – Other
Applied MathematicsMaster's Degree
Applied MathematicsDoctoral Degree – Research
StatisticsBachelor's Degree
StatisticsMaster's Degree
StatisticsDoctoral Degree – Research
Management ScienceBachelor's Degree
Management ScienceMaster's Degree
Management ScienceDoctoral Degree – Other
Military IntelligenceBachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice3 programs
Criminal JusticeBachelor's Degree
Criminal JusticeDoctoral Degree – Other
Security Science & TechnologyDoctoral Degree – Other
Economics3 programs
EconomicsBachelor's Degree
EconomicsMaster's Degree
EconomicsDoctoral Degree – Research
PhilosophyBachelor's Degree
Religious StudiesBachelor's Degree
Chemistry4 programs
ChemistryBachelor's Degree
ChemistryMaster's Degree
ChemistryDoctoral Degree – Research
ChemistryDoctoral Degree – Other
Physics3 programs
PhysicsBachelor's Degree
PhysicsMaster's Degree
PhysicsDoctoral Degree – Research
Government4 programs
Public PolicyMaster's Degree
Political ScienceBachelor's Degree
Political ScienceMaster's Degree
Political ScienceDoctoral Degree – Other
Anthropology3 programs
AnthropologyBachelor's Degree
AnthropologyMaster's Degree
AnthropologyDoctoral Degree – Other
Sociology4 programs
SociologyBachelor's Degree
SociologyMaster's Degree
SociologyDoctoral Degree – Research
SociologyDoctoral Degree – Other
Arts7 programs
Visual & Performing ArtsBachelor's Degree
Visual & Performing ArtsMaster's Degree
Applied ArtsBachelor's Degree
Applied ArtsMaster's Degree
Applied ArtsDoctoral Degree – Other
Fine ArtsUndergraduate Certificate
MusicBachelor's Degree
Medical2 programs
Diagnostic Health ProfessionsBachelor's Degree
Registered Nursing (RN)Bachelor's Degree
Nutrition3 programs
Nutrition ServicesBachelor's Degree
Nutrition ServicesMaster's Degree
Nutrition ServicesDoctoral Degree – Other
Business14 programs
Business AdministrationBachelor's Degree
Business ManagementUndergraduate Certificate
Business ManagementBachelor's Degree
Business ManagementMaster's Degree
Business ManagementDoctoral Degree – Research
Business ManagementDoctoral Degree – Other
AccountingBachelor's Degree
AccountingMaster's Degree
Business SupportBachelor's Degree
Business EconomicsBachelor's Degree
FinanceBachelor's Degree
FinanceMaster's Degree
International BusinessBachelor's Degree
MarketingBachelor's Degree
Entrepreneurship2 programs
EntrepreneurshipBachelor's Degree
EntrepreneurshipDoctoral Degree – Other
Marketing2 programs
Specialty SalesMaster's Degree
Specialty SalesDoctoral Degree – Research

Student Life

Learn about the community, campus culture, and experiences that shape student life at this college.

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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