Acceptance Rate
89%
Avg. SAT
1360
75th percentile
“Land-grant pioneer where ag scientists and engineers innovate amid cornfields, birthplace of the first digital computer.”
Ames, IA
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Ames wraps around the campus like a devoted college town, with tree-lined streets, affordable apartments, and a low cost of living that lets you stretch your budget further than in bigger cities. You'll walk to classes past the iconic Campanile bell tower while farm fields stretch to the horizon. Tradeoffs include long, cold winters that test your resolve and a rural feel that might leave city lovers craving more entertainment options nearby.
Photo Gallery
+21
+13
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Notable strengths shine in materials science and animal science, with opportunities to work on campus farms or in facilities like the BioCentury Research Farm. Tradeoffs mean competitive entry into popular majors like aerospace engineering, and research spots fill fast for freshmen.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
25,628 undergrad • 4,752 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
71%
Black / African American
3%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
15%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Ames, IA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Social life thrives on Big 12 sports fervor and 800-plus clubs, from robotics teams to barn dances, but the party scene quiets midweek for studying. Cold weather pushes activities indoors to rec centers or the student union, and the spread-out campus means biking or busing between distant dorms and labs. Overall, expect a friendly, low-drama vibe where locals cheer for students at the annual Iowa State Fair.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Big 12 Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
88%
4 Years Graduation Rate
56%
6 Years Graduation Rate
76%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,386
88% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Iowa State University and return in the fall. 56% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 76% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
56%
4-5 years
20%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
23%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$8,678
Acceptance
89%
Undergrads
25,628
4-Year Grad Rate
56%
Endowment
$1.5B
Ames, IA 50011-2103
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