ISU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 88.66%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1250. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $10,787
- Out-of-State Tuition: $28,881
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at ISU:
- Total Enrollment: 30,380, including 972 online students
- 25,628 Undergraduate, 4,752 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 54.4% men, 45.6% women.
- This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 75%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 19%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 88%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 399 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 2 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 213 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
ISU Overview
Iowa State University (ISU) is a four-year, public school located in Ames, IA. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The ISU's tuition & fees is $10,787 for Iowa residents and $28,881 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 73% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $10,270.
The school has a total enrollment of 30,380 and the students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1 (5.56%).
ISU's acceptance rate is 88.66% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 28.84%. The median SAT score is 1250 and the ACT score is 24.
ISU ranked 156th in National Universities and 5th in Iowa Colleges rankings. Iowa State University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Iowa State University is $10,787 for in-state students and $28,881 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $12,967 for in-state students and $30,577 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $11,085 for Iowa residents and $30,131 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $13,504 for Iowa residents and $31,906 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $10,787 | $28,881 |
|---|
| Graduate | $12,967 | $30,577 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $11,085 | $30,131 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,504 | $31,906 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Iowa State University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at ISU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, NAVY, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
Iowa State University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing ISU