Duke University Vs Iowa State University: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Duke University Vs Iowa State University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Duke University Vs Iowa State University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Duke University Vs Iowa State University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Duke University Vs Iowa State University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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Duke University V/s Iowa State UniversityStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
3.9/5
3.4 Internships
4.3 Part time work
3.6 Post study jobs
4.6 Quality of faculty
4.6 Student Life
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3.8/5
3.6 Internships
3.7 Part time work
3.8 Post study jobs
4.2 Quality of faculty
4.1 Student Life
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Duke University V/s Iowa State UniversityCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
Duke University V/s Iowa State University MS
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Duke University V/s Iowa State University M.A.
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Duke University V/s Iowa State University B.E. / B.Tech
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Duke University V/s Iowa State University B.Sc.
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Duke University V/s Iowa State University B.A.
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Other courses
- MEng (15 courses)
- MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
- Certificate (1 course)
- BBA (4 courses)
- M.Agri. (7 courses)
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- MEng (1 course)
- MBA/PGDM (1 course)
- BBA (13 courses)
- M.Agri. (6 courses)
- B.J.M.C. (4 courses)
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Duke University V/s Iowa State UniversityCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1838
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
9000 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+4 More
Established Year
1858
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
1900 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+4 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
Duke University V/s Iowa State UniversityCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
Duke University
The Value of a Duke Education
Dining at Duke
Faces at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
Inspiring Engineers: Real-World Design
Duke University Aerial View
Duke Chapel
Pratt School of Engineering
Fuqua School of Business
Fuqua School of Business
Edens Quad building
Duke University West Campus
Duke University West Union Building
Duke University Hospital
Duke University Medical Center
Duke University West Campus Inside
Library
Laboratory
Bursac Lab
Keohane Residence Hall
Trinity Residence Hall
Cafeteria
Duke's Fuqua School of Business Classroom
Wallace Wade Stadium
Cameron Indoor Stadium
Accommodation
Campus Tour
Campus Drone Tour
The College Tour
Entry Gate
Admission
Main Building
IOWA Top View
Aerial view
Dorme
Main Building
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Country Facts
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on Duke University campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
4.3
The universe is diverse and worth the money totally.
Tips: The university is great and gives you lots of great experiences. There are sometimes scholarships too. The quality of the faculty here is very good. There are no limits to the learning you can do at this university. It can be a bit daunting with the job market, but if we push through, maybe we can make this happen.
Dislikes (Indian Food): The food is a bit pricey since the restaurants are not really Indian but if you have a part-time job, it's still affordable. There are food coupons available from the university sometimes. The cost of food is on the pricier side, but it is in reach.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2000
Prepping time for classes46 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80000
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
4.3
There are a bunch of opportunities, so keep looking around until you find one that's right for you.
Tips: There are a few scholarship opportunities, so make sure you apply early. Part-time work can be secured while you are in India. Make sure to avail yourself of that option if you can. And you need to start networking as early as you can. There are lots of on-campus events where you can meet industry folks. The campus is beautiful and has a garden that’s a tourist attraction. And the fall semester has a Duke football tailgate event, which is pretty great as well. If you are looking for a college with great sports teams, great facilities, and a great student community, then consider Duke University.
Dislikes (Part time work): There are tons of options available for part-time work, most of which can be found on the Duke-specific job site, Jobx. The other option is to look for a TA position. This means you start emailing professors early on and following up.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 97500
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
3.9
You have to find internships on your own through job portals and connections with people.
Tips: There is very little diversity in the MEM program, and you need to prepare yourself to connect with people outside of the program. Make sure to take full advantage of the different clubs at Duke and join as per your liking. Attend all the fun events on campus and try to stay on campus as much as possible.
Likes (Student Life): Duke has the best college experience because of the basketball team and a lot of international diversity on campus. There are a lot of fun events happening around campus. The campus is very beautiful and aesthetic, and you can stay on campus for the entire day.
Dislikes (Internships): The career fair at Duke is not that helpful as there are very few companies that participate, and ones who participate mostly don't sponsor. You have to find internships on your own through job portals and connections with people over LinkedIn for referrals.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 10000
Prepping time for classes23 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
4.0
Fun, sports-oriented school that gives a great environment for students.
Tips: Learn about Duke Basketball and the NBA history from Duke. Most of the college's history relies on this, and it's easier to understand and relate to it. Attend as many events and games as possible, even if they clash with your exams and classes. This is once in a lifetime experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1075
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90600
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
3.8
The campus has a lively atmosphere with so many events.
Tips: There was a culture shift and it took some time for me to understand how things were going and adjust to it accordingly. The biggest challenge was getting used to the assignment and it needs to be done to ace it further. It is a good college to be in.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 7450
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101400
M
Meera Kumaar 
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering - Batch of 2025
3.8
Duke is good but there is not much help to international students with job networking events.
Tips: The Indian community at Duke is strong, so the transition to life on campus was pretty easy. I secured a merit scholarship automatically when I applied. I do a lot of my own cooking, but there are a few good Indian restaurants close to Duke that offer all kinds of amazing options for a decent price. I've even gotten two meals out of some dishes, so if you don't want to cook, you've got great alternatives. Also, there are other options not far away if you're down for a short drive. I’m happy with Duke, but I wish it provided more help to international students with job networking events or something of that nature.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Public transportation is not very reliable and not too safe. Using Duke's buses is helpful and a game-changer. Since most events and necessities happen around Duke, it is manageable without a car and just by using the university transport. Otherwise, having a car is very important.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75175
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
3.6
Comfortable learning environment, diverse courses and highly qualified faculty.
Tips: Duke is a great university. You can get everything that you desire here. The sports are amazing, the facilities are great as well. They provide scholarships to a lot of individuals who apply. It is directly connected to your applications, and no need to apply separately.
Likes (Indian Food): The food here is super diverse, and there are many Indian options for students. There are a number of different Indian places in Cary and Raleigh, but there are also restaurants that serve Indian cuisine at the campus food court. Most of the food I've tried there has been pretty delicious, and they have a whole separate market that has authentic Indian food for sale as well.
Dislikes (Safety): The apartments are gated, but not all of them. Some are very unsafe and have no security. There have been shootings across various off-campus housing. The public transport is a little risky, and a lot of homeless people and addicts live close to the West campus.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1850
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
3.6
The tuition is quite high but the experience is worth it.
Tips: Take courses outside of your programme as they add a lot more value than you expect them to. The tuition is quite high, but I think it is worth it. The faculty and the courses make up for it all.
Likes (Student Life): There's always an event happening at one place or another, they try to make students' lives as enriching as possible. The college provides amazing resources to all students. There's also events to de-stress and relax for when you are worried about internship search etc.
Dislikes (Safety): The public transport here is not very safe. There's also often shooting and muggings happening around Durham. The campus itself is very safe, but outside, you always have to be on high alert. Many students have reported hearing gunshots late into the night, and some have seen people pull out a gun while they were walking.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 112550
A
Anonymous
M.S in Biomedical Engineering - Batch of 2026
4.3
College life is great. We have sports, events and many on-campus extracurricular activities.
Tips: The university itself has an Indian place, so you definitely won't be going hungry. There is truly a lot to enjoy at Duke. The sports are amazing, the facilities are great as well. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and helpful.
Likes (Indian Food): There is an abundance of food that caters to multiple tastes from all over the world. You can find many options for South Asian and North Asian cuisine, and there’s even some Mexican and Southern food, too.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The public transportation here is not very reliable. There are only a few buses that come infrequently, and there are no buses at all on weekends. The buses are irregular and randomly decide not to show up. There are no trains or subways, so the only option is buses, which is bad.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1925
Prepping time for classes12 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87525
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
4.1
A transformative journey with good opportunities.
Tips: While the academic environment is intellectually stimulating and paced with opportunities, it also demands a high level of independence, especially with internships, living in an apartment, etc. I received a scholarship, and the scholarship amount and who gets it will be decided by the admissions committee. You don't have to do anything additional. I am highly satisfied with the course, the country and the university. The exposure, diverse community and academic community will help you grow both personally and academically.
Likes (Student Life): Duke offers an incredible, vibrant and well-rounded experience beyond academics. A typical day for me involves attending classes, working part-time, going to the gym and spending time with friends. The campus is always buzzing with activity, from social mixers to game nights. There is something happening on campus almost every day. The range of student clubs is impressive, whether you are into consulting or dance, you have a student club for everything.
Dislikes (Internships): Duke Career Services is amazing and does a lot of great work behind the scenes, like organising career fairs and resume support. However, no explicit support is provided, like companies coming to campus to hire us, which makes it difficult to find an internship, as the burden falls on you.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1575
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025
P
Purva Malhotra 
Master of Arts in History - Batch of 2023
4.0
The faculty is understanding, friendly will guide you to achieve your career goals.
Tips: My favourite part of college has been the professors and how involved and encouraging they are. They have made this college a supportive and inclusive environment. Aside from this, the campus amenities such as housing, food and transport are much better than you'd expect. The public transportation is very flexible, accessible and affordable to travel and explore the city.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4675
Prepping time for classes28 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75950
J
Jatinveer 
Master of Biostatistics - Batch of 2024
3.7
Good energy and a promising campus.
Tips: Students should know that Duke has a very holistic and all-rounder approach to education. You will have to be focused on your academic commitments as the environment is pretty competitive and classes are rigorous. But you will also get to be a part of many cultural activities and exchange programs to broaden your horizons.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4675
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 84450
A
Anonymous
Master of Management in Foundations Of Business - Batch of 2024
4.0
Good experience overall, more beneficial for students with a non-business background
Tips: Great environment for international folks. Everyone here embrace diversity and inclusion. It was not an easy transition to move from a happening city to a calmer place like Durham but the events at Duke made up for the lack of places to explore around. The course is more useful if you come from a non-business background. Placements have not been great due to the job market.
Likes (Part time work): Lots of opportunities to do on-campus work. The community is welcoming to hire international students and no problems have been faced regarding it so far. Manageable workload depending on your role. TA roles are also available for students on the colleges' own job portals.
Dislikes (Safety): The city in which the college is situated has a high crime rate but students and gate communities are well protected with security & constant patrolling. The campus is extremely safe at any time. No good or bad experiences so far on or off campus, but always stay alert.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
4.4
The Duke name helps in getting opportunities.
Tips: Not a major cultural shift, since this course attracts a lot of Indians. You should be actively participating in activities around you or you will miss out. I did not receive any scholarships. The university was very satisfactory, it offers guidance, security, and a platform to make the best of your career. As for the programme, it's as good as you make of it. It is designed to give you an introduction to most things, not a deep drive, it opens new horizons of thinking and changes your perspectives on decision-making and your approach, but there is a lot of self-effort required.
Likes (Student Life): Attending lectures, participating in the various activities going in the campus, from information sessions to painting sessions. I attended about 3 events each week. All kinds of clubs are present, from data, and sustainable energy, to mediation and music clubs.
Dislikes (Internships): The Career Center does provide guidance but it is limited and the students are expected to do most of the work. The availability of internships changes every year, during my first year, we had to scour a lot, during my second year I saw the incoming batch getting lots of calls by October itself. Overall, the location is good for the search, the Duke name helps, but it's mostly dependent on the market situation during that time.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes17 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
3.0
Great opportunity, but be clear and aware.
Tips: Make sure you have a clear goal in mind what you want to achieve after graduation. Keep aside a certain amount for living expenses, as finding an on-campus job is tricky. Most master's programs do not have diversity, so do not be shocked if you do not see it here.
Likes (Indian Food): One can get a good Indian meal in the $10-$20 range. There are good restaurants, and Indian groceries are pretty accessible. Check out Lime & Lemon, Indian Monsoon, and Anjappar in Carry as a few good options. Eating out in the US regularly can burn a hole in your pockets, so make sure you know or learn how to cook.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The US is heavy on the individualistic culture; hence, there is a lack of decent public transportation. The bus arrives in an hour, so you must plan your visits accordingly. Make sure you stay within the vicinity of the campus to make things easy for you. Public transportation is free for the residents of Durham.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes26 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 110000
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2024
3.7
The alumni network is resourceful.
Tips: Great quality of academics and a very competitive environment. Friendly professors and a wide variety of streams to choose from. Flexibility in the course structure and great help from peers. Extensive alumni network. Can be better at helping in the job search.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Extraordinary faculty members with lots of real-world and teaching experience. Great curriculum design with practical training. Flexible and adaptive according to students' requirements. Feedback-based curriculum updates and lots of industry networking will be helpful for job search.
Dislikes (Safety): Multiple incidents near my residential area which is located 10 minutes away from the campus. Very unsafe at night especially with no public transport available after 9. No nearby restaurants and sparsely populated which increases the number of people getting out during the night for dinner and getting robbed.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sanchit Patra 
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
4.2
Best faculty, course and campus blend you will ever see.
Tips: Coming to the US for the first time will be a big culture shift. It does take time to adjust to the people living here but one will soon adjust. The classes and assignments do take up a lot of time. The best part of Duke is the flexibility of choosing courses and catering to one's own needs. Scholarships are rarely available. The course is value for money because of the faculty members and the network you develop here.
Likes (Student Life): Best part about the campus is the architecture. Built in a gothic style it shows a blend of modern and old architecture. Students have classes mostly in West Campus which is new and has a lot of eateries and work stations. Campus is always with multiple events going around all day throughout the campus.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Being closer to Raleigh and Carry helps Durham's case here. Durham is a small town with limited resources for long term settlement but a great place to stay short-term. Durham is located in the Triangle area which is growing really fast offices of big tech firms popping up. Meta, Google etc. have their office space being built. You will find companies like Toshiba and Lenovo have their main branches in RTC area.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300
Prepping time for classes22 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
4.2
Community feeling yet very progressive college.
Tips: It took a bit to adjust to the college initially, but once I did, I realised it has a lot to offer. It's not a big city, but it has a tight-knit community. There are a lot of things you can learn from going out and seeing things for yourself. It's nice having so much access to the campus, it’s easy to meet new people and try new things. You get to participate in a lot of clubs and activities, and even represent your own country or culture. The campus is like a mini world, and the events are a great way to learn and grow. The faculty are easily accessible and approachable. They make sure to help us with anything.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 8075
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 96775
Views on Iowa State University campus
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Batch of 2026
Offered by Iowa State University
3.6
Friendly and welcoming people.
Tips: I would tell anyone planning on pursuing their education here to come with an open mind. Iowa State is pretty unconventional in a lot of ways, but studying here has its benefits as well. Even though society is more individualistic here, there are plenty of student communities. The admission process is very straightforward, and if you have a few good letters of recommendation and good test scores, you can try applying for scholarships if needed.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2925
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 72100
A
Anonymous
Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2026
Offered by Iowa State University
3.9
Do not come to this university if you have no scholarship.
Tips: This place has been pretty transformative, personally speaking, but I would not recommend coming here without an adequate scholarship. Moreover, there are no more job prospects for international students or immigrants here, so you ought to plan according. Professors reward participation and take their feedback seriously, as this will help you in the long run. Once you graduate, the college has little to no further involvement, so you will have to fend for yourself.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3250
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75950
A
Anonymous
MS in Statistics - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.7
It is difficult to find part-time jobs especially for international students.
Tips: I had to learn to fend for myself after coming here, which is expected from most, but I would advise you to double-check all your essentials, especially when it comes to utilities and dedication, as you would be in a bind if you try to rely on healthcare while in college.
Dislikes (Part time work): Part-time jobs are difficult for international students as a whole because of all the restrictions placed with regard to permits and legality. There used to be more openings up until a few years ago, which have closed down. You can possibly help out on campus.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2350
Prepping time for classes33 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
R
Ridhima 
M.A. in political science - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.9
Iowa State University is an underrated yet good place to plan for your higher studies.
Tips: Iowa State University is an underrated yet good place to plan for your higher studies. The lifestyle is calmer and more slow-paced than other colleges, and you can also expect to be a little on the outskirts of the city, but I feel this adds to the charm of the place. Living is quite affordable, and the faculty is very passionate and helpful. I feel I have made the right choice.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3075
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70550
C
Chinmayi Gudi 
M.S in Chemical Engineering - Batch of 2026
Offered by Iowa State University
4.3
Iowa State University: A research institute that deserves more recognition.
Tips: This is a research-focused institute where you will find students from all over the world. They provide ample scholarships and on-campus working opportunities. The people here are great and extremely supportive. They will go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable. Overall, I am satisfied with my experience here.
Likes (Public transportation): I found the local public transportation system to be very convenient for travel within the city. Buses start at around 6 in the morning and go on till 10 PM. There is excellent connectivity between different parts of the campus town.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): The career fair here mainly targets Bachelor's and Masters degree students. Companies that sponsor visas and support international students are marked separately for ease of locating them. Several companies sponsor visas and support a comfortable lifestyle.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 950
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77500
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.0
A transition to the new environment and culture shift.
Tips: Moving to a new country was quite difficult. The cultural shift was huge I had to adapt to new social norms, academic expectations and even different daily routines. However I found that choosing my friends and major makes a huge difference so just make sure to choose your friends wisely.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 575
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sohan Appalabhaktula 
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.1
A good public college with an excellent course and faculty.
Tips: Before joining this college students should know that there is a culture shift as the diversity in the college is very low compared to others. I received a scholarship of $11,000 a year just before registering for the college for SAT scoring and grades. I am satisfied with my university course for the most part as it is well made.
Likes (Student Life): I spend my day in college mainly doing homework and then socializing with my friends. What I enjoy the most about my college life is being able to meet new people from different parts of the world. There are many events on campus, including multicultural events. The campus is enjoyable and is not too stressful.
Dislikes (Part time work): On campus jobs are very limited for anything other than dining center jobs. Off campus opportunities are good as there are many stores and companies situated around campus that allow students to work with little to no experience. Part time work is typically easy to manage as hours can be personally chosen to match the schedule. The average payout for part time work is around $12-$13 per hour.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 300
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
BS in Apparel Merchandising, Design - Batch of 2027
Offered by Iowa State University
4.2
Food options are not too good.
Tips: I personally feel, that students should know that it's okay to come without a very clear idea in terms of academics since a lot of people come as open major or switch later. Know your interests, be involved, find your people, and find a good balance in academics and activities.
Likes (Part time work): I recently got a part-time job at Iowa State and I really enjoy it. My manager is really helpful and cooperative. I do find managing my academics and part-time work quite easy. The average payout is $15 per hour for 10-20 hrs per week. There are a lot of opportunities on campus, but it's necessary to apply on time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I personally do not like the food options at Iowa State. I wish there could be more Indian food preferences. Throughout the week I find myself eating out a lot which is quite unhealthy. I find the dining hall food to be stale a lot of the time and I wish they could work on that.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 300
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Accounting - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
4.3
Learning to balance school life
Tips: This school is very fun, but you need to make sure you have a good balance between academics and extracurricular. There is definitely a culture shift as you have a lot more freedom. I did get some private scholarships through the Iowa State scholarship portals.
Likes (Part time work): There are a lot of on-campus jobs as well as businesses off-campus for jobs. It is very manageable to work on campus while studying. We get $12/hour. Working on campus allows you to study and work at the same time as many jobs allow students to do that.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): It is still pretty difficult for F1 visa holders to find permanent jobs here. There are some opportunities, but I don't think the school does a great job of helping you find permanent jobs here especially based on your major. You really need to be a stem major to land a permanent job.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2000
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
N
Nehal Sankaranthi 
BA in Womens and Gender Studies - Batch of 2024
Offered by Iowa State University
2.5
Internship are available but doesn't pay well.
Tips: Dietary acculturation is common - a sudden change in diet and nutrients based on what is available to you can be tricky to deal with. Scope out your local multicultural food options through additional grocery stores and food pantries to help find food items closer to ones from home!
Likes (Internships): There are some internships available but the pay is low or it is only available for academic credit with no other compensation - internships are hard to find without the proper support from advisors and connections. Finding internships is only possible through extensive time of research and using connections.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There is only one Indian restaurant that is average in quality and does not have much variety in terms of cuisine - it is a little pricy as well. There is a grocery store with some meal options that are alright but not the most authentic for Indian food.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 400
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.4
Many ups, many downs, stressful, but decent
Tips: I was very homesick when I first came to Iowa State. I learned by putting myself around people by joining extracurriculars helped me a lot. Also, finding good study space, eating well, staying fit and taking care of yourself helps a lot. I am decently satisfied with the university.
Likes (Internships): I have not had any guidance from the university in terms of internships. My elder sister was the one who I looked to for guidance. The available internships now in my new college (CALS) are very much relevant to Industrial Technology. Also, my advisors are very helpful with internships.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): I have enjoyed every job that I have worked at as a student; my only thing is that I found the jobs by doing thorough research myself & not through help from the university. They can definitely be better at helping their students through communication.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Shreshta Anupindi 
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2027
Offered by Iowa State University
3.1
Public transportation is amazing.
Tips: Students usually tend to have an idea of how they want to be in college but most of us go through different transitions in university. I have changed compared to what I was in high school and I try to be equally invested in academics and co-curriculum. Most of the students get a merit scholarship and there are more scholarships, differing based on different colleges and each one has a different requirement. You can track these through OneApp Iowa State and it is highly recommended to keep an eye on it so they don't get full.
I am satisfied with my academics and college life until now.
Likes (Public transportation): There is free bus transportation for ISU students in most parts of the city. There are a lot of buses running on different routes throughout the day which takes you to most of the places that students mostly visit and it is free for all students. There are also rental cars available for students but they have certain requirements such as age and a valid license. There are bus services that go from Games to different states nearby like Minnesota or Chicago which are affordable if booked in time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There is only one Indian restaurant in the area and it is very rare to find Indian food in dining centres. Cooking in the dorms is hard, we do it once in a while but it is definitely easier off campus in apartments. I would prefer home food but since it is hard to do it every day while living in dorms, we rely mostly on dining food or ordering from outside.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 675
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sushant Chiramana 
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
4.1
College of opportunity for a bright future
Tips: Personally, I have had a proper transition after coming here as the university has conducted various events and orientations to familiarize me with the university events before coming here. The city is culturally diverse hence giving freedom to anyone to explore their own or other cultures. It is easy to receive scholarships through the college website named "OneApp" where different opportunities are present to help pay for your tuition. I have used these opportunities during my time here. Overall, I am very satisfied with my time at Iowa State because of the friends and connections I have made here inside and outside my course. My course has helped me develop various skills, social and technical.
Likes (Part time work): There is availability of on-campus jobs in every department and off-campus opportunities are very well presented from restaurants to supermarkets to different research and tutoring. Depending on the work schedules, it can be easy to manage both academics and work at the same time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are various options for different restaurants near campus. Fast food, Mexican, and different Asian foods are really good. It is difficult to find good Indian food in Ames. There are really good Indian restaurants outside of Ames, but computing outside of Ames can be a little difficult. I normally prefer to cook myself in my apartments.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 950
Prepping time for classes41 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
T
Tejal Devshetwar 
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Iowa State University
4.1
A good college for the cost paid
Tips: Transition is difficult for a week to adjust to how assignment submissions work, the method of teaching, and more importantly how the semester is planned. Other than that everything felt easy. I am satisfied with my university and the curriculum here as well. Scholarships are available on OneApp and a lot of them are open to international students. I felt it was comparatively cheaper than other colleges.
Likes (Public transportation): Free public transportation for university students. The bus goes around in the whole city and to a lot of main locations like Walmart, and malls. Buses are on time and the schedule is visible on Google Maps as well. We just need to show our i-cars and we don't need to pay each time. We mostly use the bus to travel everywhere. Overall it is great.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Only one restaurant for Indian food. Even the food quality is average. People with spice tolerance may not have that many options. The next restaurant available is in Des Moines. But they do have many options for Indian food. There are a total of 10 vegetarian dishes for the restaurant in Games.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 72875
T
Tanvi M 
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
4.2
Embracing Excellence: The Iowa State University Experience
Tips: Before joining Iowa State University students should know about diverse programs vibrant campus life and research focus. The transition involved adapting to Midwestern culture. Scholarships based on merit or need provide significant financial support. Highly satisfied with the university course and country.
Likes (Part time work): I rated 5 on part-time work due to plentiful opportunities on and off campus including roles like programmes and undergraduate research assistants. Balancing work and academics is manageable. The average payout is good offering financial support.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Very limited Indian restaurants. In the locality there's only one Indian restaurant with average quality. Prices vary but it's generally affordable. I prefer cooking at home for more variety and control over ingredients.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77000
R
Rao Kumar 
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Iowa State University
4.8
Paradise: A Heaven for Personal and Acedemic growth
Tips: It would be great if students coming here have LinkedIn and have some experience they want to showcase to get an on-campus job. Have a good relationship with the lecturers as they help you a lot, especially in getting the Teaching and Research assistants jobs. Learn how to cook as it saves lots of money.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2400
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.5
Different experience but worth it.
Tips: If you are coming from a different country, this college is going to be a bit of a culture shock and it will take some time to sink in. Do apply for scholarships do not miss out on any (they are very important). Always keep an eye on OneApp and their opening for scholarships. It is a great university, definitely worth checking out.
Likes (Part time work): It is easier to find an on-campus job and work part-time along with studies. Since there is not much competition with on-campus jobs it is not stressful at all. It pays you enough to live by yourself and I think it is pretty decent to manage housing and food expenses.
Dislikes (Internships): There is a good amount of guidance in terms of job search and career fairs on campus. There are university portals like (cyhire) and advice from professionals to approach the job search. But, being an international student it is indeed, hard to find a job. It is definitely not impossible but you have to put in a lot of time and effort to find the right job and the right company.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 200
Prepping time for classes18 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 82900
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics - Batch of 2025
Offered by Iowa State University
3.8
Vast campus, myriad opportunities!
Tips: I was pretty much prepared that there were going to be a lot of new things here which might not be as common as they are back at home. One thing that people could find different would be the idea of individuals. Most of the people here are by themselves and self-reliant. I have definitely transitioned a lot and become a much more confident and independent person. One thing to remember is to come here with an open and acceptable mind. For international students, there are a lot of scholarship opportunities, so do not miss out on those. There would be different sits for scholarships and it is possible that different colleges provide different scholarships specifically for their students so be proactive and always keep an eye on those. The university is great and I go to a college which is ranked well and my coursework seems equally interesting since there is a variety of different things that I always learn.
Likes (Public transportation): The university has buses going across the city which are free for all Iowa State Students. Even for non-students, every bus ride can be as cheap as only $1! These buses run starting early in the morning and going till later at night, and even when there are no buses, there are a couple of other different options to travel which are free for all students.
Dislikes (Internships): University has a career fair every semester where recruiters from different companies come to the university and the students get to talk to them one-on-one. This helps students to know different companies, what they provide, what they expect, etc. International students have a hard time finding internships or jobs since not every company sponsors them. Constant rejections can make students doubt themselves but don't worry because after a while we all get used to it, but don't give up either! It might take time but you will surely find something for yourself at some point, we all do!
Since I am a business analytics major with an economics minor, I do have different options open for me, but again restrictions like finding sponsorship makes it hard to find the right company. All I do is keep trying. Another tip for all new students would be to make as many connections as possible. Career fair might not be interesting for everyone, but just go to them and network as much as you can and talk to recruiters, know them well, connect with them on linkedin, follow them up on emails. Networking and making new connections can help find jobs so much more than we think it can!
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 650
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
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