ISU vs. Webster University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Webster University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Webster University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 8,260 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Webster University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Webster University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Webster University 16:1.

ISU vs. Webster University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Webster 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 Webster University ($17,779 vs. $29,503).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 12.3% lower than at Webster University ($10,808 vs. $12,318).
• Webster University is 194.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $20,963 more per year; $31,750.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at Webster University than at Iowa State University (about $2,869 more per year; $31,750.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Webster University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Webster University students is 98.6% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($21,426 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Webster University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Webster 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 Webster University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 30 points higher than at Webster University (1210).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Webster University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Webster University 1110/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Webster University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Webster University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Webster University (3.64).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Webster University (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 13.6% at Webster University.

ISU vs. Webster University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Webster 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 Webster University's (61%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Webster University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $1,132 lower median loan debt than Webster University graduates ($23,868 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Webster University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Webster University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 60%)

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.