ISU vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Nebraska Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 1,654 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Nebraska Wesleyan University is in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Nebraska Wesleyan University 12:1.

ISU vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Nebraska Wesleyan University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Iowa State University than Nebraska Wesleyan University ($17,779 vs. $21,122).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 9.3% lower than at Nebraska Wesleyan University ($10,808 vs. $11,915).
• Nebraska Wesleyan University is 303.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $32,785 more per year; $43,572.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.9% higher at Nebraska Wesleyan University than at Iowa State University (about $14,691 more per year; $43,572.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nebraska Wesleyan University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nebraska Wesleyan University students is 204.5% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($32,863 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Nebraska Wesleyan University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nebraska Wesleyan University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 80 points higher than at Nebraska Wesleyan University (1160).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Nebraska Wesleyan University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Nebraska Wesleyan University 1020/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Nebraska Wesleyan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Nebraska Wesleyan University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Nebraska Wesleyan University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have the same average high school GPA (3.7) as students at Nebraska Wesleyan University (3.7).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Nebraska Wesleyan University (79.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 16.2% at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

ISU vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Nebraska Wesleyan University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Nebraska Wesleyan University's (64%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $1,132 lower median loan debt than Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates ($23,868 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.