Iowa State University is a public 4-year college in Ames, Iowa with 25,367 undergraduates. It admits 89% of applicants, costs an average of $18,517 a year after grants and graduates 77% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Iowa State University acceptance rate and admissions
Iowa State University admitted 89% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1120 to 1360
4001600
ACT composite
21 to 28
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 560 to 670, math 560 to 690). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Iowa State University application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Rolling admission
Applications reviewed as they arrive
Application fee through the Common App: $55 for U.S. applicants ($65 for international applicants). Confirm dates on Iowa State University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Iowa State University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26)
$11,092
Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26)
$30,140
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$10,928
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$24,539
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$18,517
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $18,517 a year after grants and scholarships, $6,022 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Iowa State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
77%finished within 6 years88%came back for year two23%get a Pell Grant
77% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $67,568 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $21,250 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Iowa State University$67,568
Iowa median, public 4-year$67,568
U.S. median, public 4-year$59,509
Debt compared
Iowa State University$21,250
Iowa median$21,250
U.S. median$19,500
Median debt is 31% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Iowa State University majors and what graduates earn
Iowa State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 88 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer engineering ($105,753).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Iowa State University
136 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?
Iowa State University admitted 89% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Iowa State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $11,092 for in-state students and $30,140 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $18,517 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 560 to 670 in reading and writing and 560 to 690 in math, and 21 to 28 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Iowa State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Iowa State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Iowa State University?
77% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Iowa State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $67,568 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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