Iowa State University
Public university · Ames, IA · 25,367 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
89%
Accessible
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
Average net price
$18,517
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$24,539
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
77%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Iowa State University?
Iowa State University accepts about 89 of every 100 applicants (89%), which makes it accessible. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1120 and 1360 on the SAT. A score at or above 1360 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1120, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 21–28.
The latest federal data says Iowa State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Iowa State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Iowa State University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $24,539 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $18,517 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $11,092 for IA residents and $30,140 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$11,092
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$30,140
- Room & board$10,928
- Total cost of attendance$24,539
- Average net price after grants$18,517
Popular majors
Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Biology, Computer Science.
Iowa State University FAQ
- What is Iowa State University's acceptance rate?
- 89% — accessible.
- What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1120–1360. Aim for 1360 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Iowa State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 21–28.
- Is Iowa State University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Iowa State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Iowa State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Iowa State University cost?
- About $24,539 a year before aid; $18,517 on average after grants.
- What is Iowa State University's FAFSA school code?
- 001869. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Iowa State University receives your information.
- What is Iowa State University's graduation rate?
- 77% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Iowa State University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of DubuqueDubuque, IA | 89% | 980–1220 | $25,171 | 45% |
| Simpson CollegeIndianola, IA | 86% | — | $20,460 | 63% |
| Central CollegePella, IA | 86% | 1056–1120 | $22,894 | 59% |
| University of Northern IowaCedar Falls, IA | 93% | 1020–1280 | $16,038 | 69% |
| University of IowaIowa City, IA | 84% | 1130–1330 | $22,508 | 76% |
| Mount Mercy UniversityCedar Rapids, IA | 83% | — | $23,935 | 52% |