Academic Comparison between ISU and Saint Ambrose

Iowa State University and Saint Ambrose University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. ISU is a four-year, public school located in Ames, IA and Saint Ambrose is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Davenport, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • ISU is a public and Saint Ambrose is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Saint Ambrose has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,658) than ISU ($28,881).
  • It is harder to admit to Saint Ambrose than ISU.
  • ISU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than Saint Ambrose (1,050).
  • ISU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Saint Ambrose (23).
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while Saint Ambrose has 2,498 students.
  • Saint Ambrose has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while ISU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,432 faculties while Saint Ambrose has 180 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
ISU Saint Ambrose
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.Saint Ambrose University
Ames, IowaLocationDavenport, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
2025 Tuition & Fees$36,658
73%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$10,270Average Amount of Financial Aid$24,080
88.66 %Acceptance Rates77.33 %
28.84 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.71 %
1,250SAT Score1,050
24ACT Score23
75 %Graduation Rate61 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate30 %
88 %Retention Rate76 %
30,380Student Population2,498
1,432Number of Faculties180
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare