Chances of getting into Iowa State University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into ISU and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at ISU is 91%. It ranks #26 in Iowa for lowest rate of acceptance. Iowa State University is an easy school to get into with a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission requirements. Last year, 18,550 out of 20,357 applicants were admitted.
The school has difficult admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 43 percent on standardized admission tests. Iowa State University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.7. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 29% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
The ISU application fee is $40 and applications are due by Jul 1.
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Iowa State University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 13% of students submitted SAT scores and 63% submitted ACT scores for admission for the 2021/2022 academic year..
ISU SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 540 |
| SAT Math 25th | 543 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1083 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 650 |
| SAT Math 75th | 680 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1330 |
| Average SAT Score | 1210
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Iowa State University?
Iowa State University is a test optional school meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT scores with their application. The position on SAT scores from the school is "considered but not required".
Students who get into Iowa State University score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers.. The SAT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 1083-1330.
Find other colleges with similar SAT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
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ISU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 20 |
| ACT Math 25th | 20 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 21 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 28 |
| ACT Math 75th | 28 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 28 |
| Average ACT Score | 24
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into ISU?
Iowa State University is test optional. Students are not required to submit ACT scores with their application. The policy on ACT scores is "considered but not required".
ISU regularly accepts students who score 21 and above on the ACT. These students typically score in the top 43 percent nationally. The ACT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 21-28.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Explore Iowa State University
ISU GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State University?
Applicants require very good grades in high school to get into ISU. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Iowa State University was 3.7 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A- students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #5 in Iowa for highest average GPA. If your high school grades are above the average 3.7 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as ISU accepts 91% of all applicants.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
High School Class Rank
79% of Iowa State University freshman were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 22% |
| Top 25% of class | 45% |
| Top 50% of class | 79% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 9,963 | 10,394 | 20,357 |
| Accepted | 9,151 | 9,399 | 18,550 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% | 90% | 91% |
| Enrolled | 2,491 | 2,896 | 5,387 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 27% | 31% | 29% |
Fall 2023 Application Deadline
Applications are Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 98 days left until the Fall 2023 term applications are due on Jul 1, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Iowa State University is $40.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Iowa State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Considered but not required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Considered but not required |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Consider
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153603 IPEDS survey data for Iowa State University.
FAQs
Does Iowa State University prefer SAT or ACT?
13% of students submit their SAT scores to ISU. 63% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Iowa State University?
91% of those who apply are granted admission to ISU. Admission competition is and the college has difficult admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1083 and 1330. 13% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 21 and 28. 63% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.