Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa Β· City: SmallOfficial Website β†—

#910
Nationally
#22
In Iowa
89%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$8,982
In-State Tuition
per year
75%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
25,332
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
54/100
Good
#910 nationally
#22 in Iowa
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes75
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment20
πŸ”¬Program Breadth84

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Iowa State University is a public four-year university located in Ames, Iowa. With 25,332 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 89%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $8,982 per year ($26,168 out-of-state), near the national average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 75%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate89%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
22,995
Applied
20,496
Admitted
5,859
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading550 – 660
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math560 – 690
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)21 – 28
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$8,982/yr
In-State Fees$1,515/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$26,168/yr
Room & Board$10,817/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$21,314/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$38,500/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$8,982↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate75%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
25,332
Total Undergrads
45% F / 55% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 77%
Hispanic 7%
Black 3%
Asian 4%
Two or more 3%
International 3%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 75%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (89% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Data on some metrics is not yet available β€” contact the admissions office for details
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who thrive in a large, diverse campus setting with extensive facilities and programs.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationAmes, Iowa
SettingCity: Small
Size20,000+
State Ranking
#22
in Iowa out of 7+ colleges
#910
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.