PublicUrbanIowa State University
ISU
Ames, Iowa 50011-2103
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for engineering — major research university
Iowa State University is a public institution in Ames with particular strength in engineering and business. With an average SAT of 1199, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 25K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
75% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $63,386 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,165.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — stuck
History & Fun Facts
- •History The Campanile and lawn In 1856, the Iowa General Assembly enacted legislation to establish the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm.
- •This institution (now Iowa State University) was officially established on March 22, 1858, by the General Assembly.
- •Story County was chosen as the location on June 21, 1859, beating proposals from Johnson, Kossuth, Marshall and Polk counties.
- •Iowa was the first state in the nation to accept the provisions of the Morrill Act of 1862.
- •The state subsequently designated Iowa State as the land-grant college on March 29, 1864.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1199
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
54.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,750
Programs (323)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
191
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IA state average + city premium