Iowa State University campus

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ISU Demographics & Diversity

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  • 4 Year
  • Ames, IA
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#2 Best Public Universities in Iowa
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Low

Racial Diversity Index: 36%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at ISU are mostly White with a small Foreign Resident population. The school has low racial diversity. 24% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of Iowa State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
76%
Black
3%
Hispanic
5%
Asian
3%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
International
7%
Race Unknown
5%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 50%

There are 3% more male students than female students enrolled at Iowa State University with a gender ratio of 51% men to 49% women. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, ISU has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Iowa State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
51%
Women
49%
Enrollment by gender for Iowa State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
2,406
Women
2,346

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 46%

ISU draws 54 percent of students from Iowa, 43 percent from other states, and 3 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Iowa, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Iowa State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
54%
Out of State
43%
Foreign
3%
Unknown Location
1%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$61,269 per year

18% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

30,380
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 5%
Part-time undergraduates 3%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Iowa State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153603.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026