Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Ames, Iowa |
| Online | iastate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Iowa State University, situated in Ames within the heartland of Iowa, is a public land-grant institution established in 1858. Known for its distinctive Collegiate Gothic architecture, the university offers a blend of historical and contemporary campus ambiance sprawled across 1,813 acres. Located approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city, it provides students a suburban setting that merges academic convenience with the tranquil pace of Midwestern life. Iowa State is recognized for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and design, reflecting its historical roots and contemporary focus on research and innovation. With regards to the application process, it is seen as moderately selective. While the school hosts a vibrant residential community, offering a variety of on-campus housing options to accommodate its diverse student body. Iowa State's athletic teams, known as the Cyclones, compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference, famed for their competitive sports programs, particularly in basketball and football.
In the most recent statistical year 21,919 prospective students applied, and 19,776 were granted admission. Of those admitted 5,728 enrolled in the school. 27,021 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,948 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $8,678 plus fees of $1,455. ISU is ranked 352 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
ISU is rated within the top 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Iowa State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#352 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#93 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Iowa
#167 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1090/1350 |
| ACT | 21/28 |
| GPA | 3.7 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Iowa Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,091 |
| Other Fees | $1,455 |
| Room and Board | $9,358 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,890 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,472 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,091 |
| Other Fees | $1,455 |
| Room and Board | $9,358 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,890 |
| Total One Year Cost | $39,956 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 20% |
| Engineering | 17% |
| Agriculture | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Communication | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering ISU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153603 IPEDS survey data for Iowa State University.
Current students may use the Iowa State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.