ISU vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than ISU based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 30,380 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

ISU vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky ($17,779 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 32.5% lower than at University of Kentucky ($10,808 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $2,715 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at Kentucky than at Iowa State University (about $5,259 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at Iowa State University (95% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 19.5% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($12,898 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 60 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Kentucky (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Kentucky - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than ISU (88.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

ISU vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $1,118 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($235 vs. $246).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.