10 Videos,

20 Photos

Iowa State University: Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews

Q: Is Iowa State University good for international students?

Iowa State University is a major international teaching and research university that emphasizes Science and Technology while valuing Arts and Humanities. The international reputation of Iowa State University draws students from all over the world. During the Fall Semester 2018, the number of international students enrolled at ISU was above 3,500. There are eight colleges of Iowa State University namely: Agriculture and Life Sciences Design Business Engineering Graduate Human Science (Formerly Education and Family and Consumer Sciences) Also Read: Top Reasons to Study in the USA

Q: What is Iowa State known for?

Iowa State University is the state's the largest research university, offering 100+ majors, majorly in the Science and Technology fields, including an Engineering programme that is 'practically unrivaled'. Other unique programs of this university are the Aerospace programme and the Journalism and Design schools. Also, the university is among the Top 10% of all accredited, full-time MBA courses in the U.S., according to the 2024 Graduate rankings by a top-ranking publisher in 2024. Also, the university continues to see strong enrollment with 30,000+ students on-campus in Fall 2024 and class of 5,900+ first-year students. The enrollment statistics show growing interest in the university's STEM programs and degrees of the future.

Q: Is Iowa State a top university?

Iowa State University ranks at #121 position in the national universities category ranking by a top-ranking publisher Furthermore, Iowa State University QS ranking is #470 in 2025. Considering the world-rankings, then the university is ranked in the Top 500 universities of the world. This university is one of the top universities in Ames, US. It is known worldwide for its excellence in Science and Technology, discovery and innovation, and its student-centered culture with faculty who is dedicated to student success.

Q: Does Iowa State require SAT or ACT?

Though Iowa State University is test-optional for first-year applicants, it must be noted that if international students have graduated from a US high school, they may choose to submit their SAT / ACT score. Whereas, students who have graduated from a foreign school do not need to take these exams. Other Iowa State admission requirements for undergraduate applicants are given below: A minimum of 3.0 GPA High school course requirements English language proficiency requirement: TOEFL iBT 71 / IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 / PTE score of 48, etc.

Q: What GPA do we need for a Masters degree in Iowa State University Master of Finance?

Lowa State University Master of Finance admission requirements are given below: A bachelor’s degree is required with a minimum of 3.0 GPA Proof of English language proficiency Resume Academic transcripts

Q: What things should every freshman starting at Iowa State University know?

As per the student reviews at IA State University, the following things must be kept in mind: Go out of the university's campus once in a while and check out Ames as a city. Check out the local parks, shop downtown, and interact with the locals Volunteer as this helps students to make valuable contacts. It also boosts the resume Attend IA State Sporting events Also, get a part-time job

Q: What do international students need to get into Iowa State University?

To get into IA State University, first-year international applicants are required to have the following: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in high school SAT / ACT (not required for admission) English language proficiency requirement: TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo scores are required Academic transcripts Bank statement or sponsor letter confirming USD 47,600 Copy of passport For international graduate students, a bachelor's degree is required. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. English language proficiency scores must also be submitted

Q: What is needed to apply to Iowa State?

Iowa State University Indian applicants of UG course are required to upload the following documents with their application: Academic transcripts English language proficiency score A bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 47,600 (Around INR 40 lakh) Indian applicants at the PG level are required to have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A few of the documents that the applicants are required to submit are: Official transcripts Evidence of English language proficiency score GRE / GMAT score 500-word Statement of Purpose Letters of recommendations (as applicable) Financial documents

Q: What are the Automatic Scholarships for international students at Iowa State University?

International students admitted to Iowa State are automatically awarded renewable scholarships on the basis of their high school GPA and SAT and ACT scores. These are known as International Student Excellent Award. This scholarship cannot be combined with International Merit Scholarship. The scholarship award values are: President's Award for International Student Excellence: USD 48,000 (USD 12,000 per year) Dean's Award for International Student Excellence: USD 40,000 (Per year USD 10,000)

Q: What are the English language proficiency requirements for Indian applicants at IA state?

Indian applicants thinking to take admission to University in Iowa State must submit the English language proficiency requirements. They can submit the test scores like IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo. Minimum test scores required in these tests are: Tests UG Scores PG Scores IELTS Overall 6.0 with sub-scores of 5.5 or above Overall 6.5 Duolingo 100 105 (Fall 2025), 115 (Spring 2026) PTE 48 53 TOEFL 71 on IBT with a 17 or above on the Speaking and Writing sections 79

Ames, Iowa, USA

3.8 /5

(19 Reviews)

74 Student Q&A

Shiksha popularity ranking

#363 in World

#76 in USA

View ranking details Link Arrow Icon

Authorized Partner
1900 acre campus
Estd. 1858

Last updated on 12 Aug '25

Iowa State University
What's new?

Iowa State University has rolling admissions for international students. Know about Iowa State University reviews from here.

International Student Support at IA State

International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) offers a comprehensive support to international students. It focuses on facilitating the integration and success of international students by providing guidance on immigration compliance, cultural, social, financial, and personal concerns. Additionally, ISSO also assists in maintaining the immigration status and navigating U.S. employment regulations.

Latest Update

BITS Pilani and Iowa State University have announced their partnership to launch a 2+2 undergraduate shared degree program and shared degree programs at the Master's and PhD levels. This agreement will make the way for qualified students from BITS Pilani transferring to ISU for a co-operative Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Engineering.

An insight into the newly launched program: This 2+2 program will allow students to complete their initial 2 years at BITS Pilani and smoothly transition to Iowa State for the remaining two years. Similarly, for graduate students, it will offer pathways to pursue research-based collaborative degree programs at both institutions. Read more about BITS Pilani and Iowa State University to offer Dual Degree UG and PG Programs from here.

Read less

Iowa State University Overview

Table of content

About Iowa State University
Iowa State University Rankings 2025
Academic Programs at Iowa State University
Iowa State University Admissions Process and Requirements
Iowa State University Scholarships for Indian Students
+ 12 more items

About Iowa State University

Established in 1858, ISU is a public space-grant university situated in Ames, Iowa. As per the student enrollment, it is the largest university by student enrollment. As of 2024, there are 30,000+ students at the unievrsity. Furthermore, there are 2,700+ international students at the university. Iowa State University ranking among the National Universities is within the Top 200 Universities in 2025. It ranks at #121 in 2025.

It offers 100+ majors at the UG level, around 120 Master's degree programs and 80 doctoral programs. It has a strong academic reputation in Technology, Science, and Agriculture. In terms of admission selectivity, Iowa State University acceptance rate is 89%. It ranks at No. 1 in Iowa and in the Top 25% nationally, according to Wall Street Journal rankings 2025. Iowa State university is classified among R1 Universities.

Things to Know about Iowa State University

Some of the important facts of Iowa State University are given below:

Particulars	Stats
Established	1858
Type of university	Public land-grant research
Acceptance Rate	89%
Ranking	#121 in 2025 in the US National Universities category ranking
Annual tuition fees for international students	Around INR 20.5 L – INR 43 L
GPA requirements	3.0 (Minimum)
Application fee	UG: USD 65 (Around INR 5,500) PG: USD 100 (Around INR 8,500)
Popular courses	MS IN CS, MBA, BSc in CS
Total no. of students	30,000+
Total no. of international students	2,878
Sporting affiliation	NCAA Division I FBS - Big 12

History

Iowa State University was established in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. In 1862, the Iowa Legislature accepted the Morrill Act, which was awarded to the Agricultural College in 1864. The university opened its doors in 1869. The first class of the university graduated in 1872. Then, in 1879, Iowa State established the nation’s first state Veterinary Medicine School. In 1959, the college was officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

Also Check: Iowa State University Campus

Check out the below videos of Iowa State University for more Information:

Year of establishment

1858

University website

Go to Website Link Arrow Icon

Student website

Go to Website Link Arrow Icon

Total foreign students

3189

Campus size

1900 acres

No. of campus

Scholarships available

Endowment value

USD 838 million

Scholarships granted

20513

Scholarship amount granted

USD 194 million

Application fees

USD 65

English proficiency test

Required

Accepted exams

SAT/ACT accepted

Optional

Total faculty

2178

Faculty/Student ratio

Male/Female ratio

0.73

UG/PG course ratio

1.78

Total criminal offences

551

Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q: Is Iowa State University good for international students?

Q: What is Iowa State known for?

Q: Is Iowa State a top university?

Iowa State University Rankings 2025

The Iowa State University is among the top universities in the USA and globally. Iowa State University ranking is #77 in the USA by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025. The university is also one of the top-ranked universities in the world and it ranks #449 in 2026 and #470 in the World University Ranking by QS in 2025. This shows that there has been a major improvement in the QS rankings of Iowa State. According to THE (Times Higher Education), Iowa State University ranking is #401-500 in 2025. Furthermore, in the Global Universities category, Iowa State University ranking is #380 in 2025.

#363

World level

Shiksha Popularity Rank

#76

Country level

Shiksha Popularity Rank

Course wise : Shiksha Popularity Rankings

#27

Aerospace Engineering

#35

Civil Engineering

#37

Chemical Engineering

#43

Mechanical Engineering

#55

Electrical Engineering

Ranked #75 in Top universities in USA

View All Rankings & Grades ->

See how we came up with these grades ->

Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q: Is the University of Iowa better than Iowa State University?

Q: What is Iowa State University ranked in US?

Academic Programs at Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers about 100 bachelor's degree courses. At the graduate level, Iowa State University offers more than 350 programs. At the UG level, the academic programs are offered as per the Colleges which are Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, Design, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences. Study areas at the graduate level are Art and Design, Engineering, Business and Management, Social Sciences, Humanities, etc. One of the most popular Iowa State University courses is the MSc in CS. Some of the courses studied by IA State alumni are Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, Marketing, Finance, etc.

There are eight colleges at Iowa State University, including the Graduate College. These colleges are Agricultural and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Graduate College, and College of Veterinary Medicine. The founding year of college / schools of this university can be checked from the table given below:

Schools	Founding Year
Agricultural and Life Sciences	1858
College of Veterinary Medicine	1879
Engineering	1904
Graduate College	1913
Liberal Arts and Sciences	1959
Design	1978
Business	1984
Health and Human Sciences	2005

Also Check: Study in USA Details

MS

49 Courses

4.3(3)1 year - 4 years

1st year Tution Fees

₹23 L - 45 L

Get Fee Details

Shiksha Ranking

#57

We can fast-track your application in a week.

Talk to Expert

MBA/PGDM

4 Courses

3.9(1)1 year - 2 years

1st year Tution Fees

₹26 L - 45 L

Get Fee Details

Shiksha Ranking

#100

16 students got admitted to this university

Talk to Expert

B.E. / B.Tech

20 Courses

3.7(9)4 years

1st year Tution Fees

₹24 L - 28 L

Get Fee Details

Shiksha Ranking

– / –

Harshitha + 10 others got admitted through us.

Talk to Expert

View All 18 Courses

Commonly asked questions
On Popular Programs

Q: What majors is Iowa State University known for?

Q: Does Iowa State University have a good MBA program?

Q: What is a Bachelor of Science Computer Science programme at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University Admissions Process and Requirements

Iowa State University offers admissions during the Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes every year. For Iowa State University admissions, the applicants can access the direct application link from the university portal.

Application Deadlines

Iowa State University has a rolling admission policy. However, the university recommends that international UG applicants apply at least 6-8 weeks before the course starts.

Admission Requirements for International Students

The entry requirements for Indian students are given below:

UG: Indian applicants must have completed Class 12. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required
PG: A bachelor’s degree is required from Indian applicants. A GPA of 3.0 is required. Some of the programs require GMAT / GRE score

Acceptance Rate

As per unofficial sources, Iowa State University acceptance rate is around 89%. This means that the university is less selective at the time of admission.

Application Fee

Iowa State University application fee is USD 100 (Around INR 8,300) for international applicants. For UG applicants, the IA State application fee is USD 65 (Around INR 5,400).

Eligibility

To take admission to IA State, the applicants are required to meet all the entry requirements, which may vary as per the courses. The common documents required to apply are given below:

Academic transcripts
Certificate of finances
English language proficiency requirements
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation letters

Also read: Admission Intakes in US Universities

Application fees :USD 50 - 100
Type of deadline :Depends on course

Documents

Type of documents	Applicable for
SOP	Needed for few courses
LOR	Needed for few courses
Essays	Needed for few courses
CV	Needed for few courses
Additional documents	Required

Sign-up to view details

View admission details

Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q: What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State University for MS in CS?

Q: Is GRE required for Iowa State University?

Q: Does Iowa State MBA require GMAT?

Iowa State University
Iowa State University Scholarships for Indian Students

Different sources of scholarships exist in the university, so you can explore all your options before applying for one. A small number of merit scholarships are awarded to first-year overseas students. A student’s SAT/ACT scores as well as high school scores are taken into consideration for the purpose of providing scholarships. Overseas students holding the admission offer letter directly receive these renewable merit scholarships. Some of the scholarships offered to international first-year students are International Merit Awards and International Exceptional Awards. The details of these scholarships are given below:

International Merit Awards: Scholarship selection for this scholarship is competitive and based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high-school marks / grades. To be considered for this award, students have to fill out the scholarship application. The award of achievement is up to $40,000 ($5,000 - $10,000 per year) and the Award of Distinction is up to $16,000 ($2,000 - $4,000 per year). Check out details about Iowa State University Scholarships from here.

Also read: Scholarships in USA for Indian Students

19No. of scholarships available

₹ 15.9 LTotal scholarship amount

View all 192 scholarships

Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q: Does Iowa State University give full scholarships for international students?

Q: What are International Merit Scholarships offered at Iowa State University?

Q: What is International Student Excellence Award offered at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University Popular Courses

View all

MBA/PGDM

B.E. / B.Tech

B.Sc.

M.S in Computer Science icon

18 months

1st yr. Tuition Fees

₹29.18 LGet Fee Details

Exams Accepted

M.S. in Artificial Intelligence icon

2 years

1st yr. Tuition Fees

₹26.04 LGet Fee Details

Exams Accepted

MS Mechanical Engineering icon

18 months

1st yr. Tuition Fees

₹28.06 LGet Fee Details

Exams Accepted

MS in Animal Breeding and Genetics icon

18 months

1st yr. Tuition Fees

₹24.02 LGet Fee Details

Exams Accepted

MS in Human Computer Interaction (STEM) icon

18 months

1st yr. Tuition Fees

₹22.69 LGet Fee Details

Exams Accepted

View AllMS Courses

Iowa State University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.8/5

19 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented
Multi-dimensional
Friendly
Sporty

Student Views

21% students never faced discrimination in this university

Internships3.6

Part time work3.7

Post study jobs3.8

Quality of faculty4.2

Student Life4.2

Value for money3.7

Public transportation4.3

Safety4.1

Indian Food3

Permanent Immigration3.5

Anonymous

Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2026

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.

Reviewed on 29 May 2025Read more

Ridhima

M.A. in political science - Batch of 2025

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.

Reviewed on 29 May 2025Read more

Anonymous

Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Batch of 2026

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.

Reviewed on 29 May 2025Read more

Netaji meka Verified Icon

MS in Information Systems - Batch of 2020

A culturally enriching and academically rewarding experience.

Tips: Transitioning here was an enriching experience. There was definitely a cultural shift in terms of academic expectations, communication style, and lifestyle, but the university provided support through orientation programs and peer mentoring. Over time, I adapted and grew more confident in this multicultural setting. I did receive a partial merit-based scholarship, which was awarded based on my academic records and statement of purpose. It helped reduce my tuition fee significantly and made my education more affordable. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.

Likes (Part time work): The university offers a vibrant, energetic atmosphere filled with learning, interaction, and personal growth opportunities. My day typically involves attending classes, collaborating on group projects, spending time in the library or labs, and participating in club activities. What I enjoy most is the freedom to explore my interests outside academics. The campus regularly hosts cultural festivals, guest lectures, tech expos, sports events, and hackathons. I often participate in these events as they are great for networking and learning new skills. There are various student-run communities like coding clubs, robotics teams, cultural associations, and language exchange groups, which create a strong sense of belonging and help build meaningful connections.

Dislikes (Quality of faculty): The professors here are not only subject matter experts but also genuinely invested in student success. They are approachable, responsive, and always open to one-on-one discussions or guidance outside of lectures. A unique aspect of the teaching methodology is the integration of theory with practical applications, such as industry-relevant projects, case studies, and collaborative assignments. This hands-on approach makes learning more effective and engaging. Additionally, the faculty team is quite diverse, comprising professionals from different nationalities and academic backgrounds, which brings a wide range of insights and global perspectives into the classroom.

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2025Read more

Chinmayi Gudi Verified Icon

M.S in Chemical Engineering - Batch of 2026

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.

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2024Read more

Anonymous

MS in Statistics - Batch of 2025

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.

Reviewed on 29 May 2025Read more

View All 19 Reviews

Iowa State University Placements

Iowa State offers a number of career services to students such as career counselling, job search strategies, resume and interview preparation, and access to CyHire, university’s career portal. Right now, the employment data for Iowa State University MBA placement data is available for 2023-24. Also Check: Iowa State University Placements

Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed

A few of the industries where this university’s MBA graduates work are Agriculture, Commerce, Consulting, Engineering, Manufacturing, Financial Services, etc.

ROI after Education from IA State University

The average salary for an MBA graduate of IA State University who have been hired in the Financial Services industry is USD 89k (Around INR 76 lakh). The first-year tuition fee of the MBA graduates is INR 28.52 Lakh. This means studying at this university would lead to greater ROI.

Top Employers

Employers of the MBA graduates of this university include:

Cargill
Citadel
Conagra Brands
Intel
Honeywell
Walmart
U.S. Bank

Part-time Jobs

During the Spring and Fall semesters, Iowa State University international students can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, during the semester breaks, students can work over 20 hours per week.

Download the MBA placement report 2023-24 of Iowa State University

Also Check:

Visit official career services website External Link Icon

View placement details

Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q: Who are the top employers for Iowa State University graduates?

Q: What is the average package for Iowa State University graduates?

Q: What are the 3 top majors at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University Cost

Iowa State University cost comprises of the tuition fee and living cost. The tuition fee for one-year is around INR 20.4 L - INR 43 L. Check Iowa State University fees from here.

Cost of Living: The living expenses for UG international students for the academic year are given below:

Particulars	Expenses
Food & housing (on-campus)	$10,808
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment	$700
Anticipated personal expenses	$4,950

Courses	1st Year Tuition Fees	Duration & Eligibility
MS(49 courses)	INR 23 L - 45 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 100, IELTS: 6.5 - 7, GRE
MBA/PGDM(4 courses)	INR 26 L - 45 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 88 - 100, PTE: 68 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above, GMAT, IELTS: 7.5 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(20 courses)	INR 24 L - 28 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above
B.Sc.(29 courses)	INR 24 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above
MFA(4 courses)	INR 24 L - 26 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 79 - 95, PTE, Duolingo
BBA(14 courses)	INR 24 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above
M.A.(12 courses)	INR 21 L - 26 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 18 months-4 years Exam Accepted: PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL: 79 - 100, IELTS: 6 & Above
B.Arch(2 courses)	INR 24 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above
BFA(2 courses)	INR 24 L - 27 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above
M.Agri.(6 courses)	INR 24 L - 27 LGet Fee Details	Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL: 79 - 88, IELTS: 6 & Above

View Course Wise Fees ->

Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q: What is the tuition fee in INR for Iowa State University?

Q: Does Iowa State University have an application fee?

Q: Is GRE mandatory for Iowa State University MS in Artificial Intelligence?

Iowa State University
Student profile

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success

UG Race

Others

85%

Hispanic

Asian

Black

UG Student residence

In state

52%

Out of state

44%

Foreign

UG Number of Applicant

21919

Overall Graduation Rate

Iowa State University Notable Alumni

Iowa State University has some renowned people as its graduates and postgraduates. As the university was founded in the 1800s it has got a long list of alumni belonging to Iowa State. Some of the notable alumni are Lee Teng Hui who was the former President of Taiwan, then Clayton Anderson has been a key member of ISS Expedition and was a student of Iowa State. Some of the well-known Senators of the United States also belong to the university such as Tom Harkin and Joni Ernst. The pilot of the first transatlantic passenger flight, Clarence Chamberlin has attended the university. Some other renowned people like Bruce Roth, inventor of the medication Lipitor and Carrie Chapman who was the co-founder of the League of Women Voters was also a student of Iowa State.

Names	Profession	Images
Lee Teng-hui	Taiwanese Statesman and Agriculturalist
Henry A. Wallace	American Politician, Journalist, Farmer, and Businessman
LeRoy E. Cain	Aerospace Engineer
George Washington Carver	Agricultural Scientist and Inventor
Kim Reynolds	Politician
Dennis Muilenburg	Engineer, Business Executive, and former President and CEO of Boeing

Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q: What famous people have graduated from Iowa State University?

Iowa State University Vs Drexel University Vs Oregon State University

According to Global rankings (QS), Iowa State University ranks better at #449 than the other two universities. However, in terms of the admission selectivity, Iowa State University is easier to get into with an acceptance rate of around 89%. A comparison between Iowa State University, Drexel University, and Oregon State University is given as follows:

Particulars	Iowa State University	Oregon State University	Drexel University
Acceptance rate	Around 89%	Around 79%	Around 78%
Annual tuition fees	INR 15.48 L - 28.87 L	INR 17 L - 82 L	INR 14 L - 70 L
QS Rankings 2026	#449	#624	#711-720
Popular courses	MS, MBA	MS, MBA, MEng	MS, MBA

Compare Iowa State University with other similar colleges

MBA/PGDM

B.E. / B.Tech

B.Sc.

MFA

BBA

M.A.

B.Arch

BFA

M.Agri.

College	1st Year Tuition Fees	Ranking
Iowa State University	INR 22.69 L - 44.87 L	#449 QS, 2026
University of Pittsburgh Compare	INR 28.34 L - 50.93 L	#69 US News, 2026
University of Georgia Compare	INR 15.1 L - 33.81 L	#46 US News, 2026
Drexel University Compare	INR 13.82 L - 56.51 L	#80 US News, 2026
Oregon State University Compare	INR 17.17 L - 59.97 L	#143 US News, 2026
The University of Utah Compare	INR 11.49 L - 68.42 L	#151 US News, 2026

The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison

View comparisons

Commonly asked questions
On Comparisons

Q: How is Iowa State University compared to the University of Iowa?

Iowa State University
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.

Education in USA

963+Universities & colleges

3.38LIndian students in USA in 2024

20 hours per weekPart-time work permit

12 monthsPost-study work permit

Country stats

Washington D.C.Capital

347.28M (2025)Total population

2%Economic growth rate in 2025

EnglishPrimary language

Weather

October

Popular LocationsMinMax

Boston817

New York1018

Chicago1017

Los Angeles1626

Explore popular study abroad destinations

Iowa State University Campus

Iowa State University campus is in the heart of the Midwest in Ames, Iowa. The campus size is 1,900 acres. With 800+ student organizations, athletics, and recreation facilities, there are many things to do on IA State campus. A few of the student organizations at the university are academic, music & performing arts, religious / spiritual, media production, culture / identity based. Note that IA State participates in the Big 12 Conference. Students can focus on their fitness while studying here as there are opportunities that include individual workouts, fitness classes, and personal training.

Student Organizations

Iowa State has 800+ student organizations. Categories of the student organizations include academic, media production, Graduate & Professional, music & performing arts, culture / identity based, special interest, etc. Also, note there is one Indian Students’ Association at the university.

Housing

Iowa State U provides housing for over 10,000 students at the university owned on-campus residence halls and apartments. Additionally, with over 20 locations, this university offers flexible meal options for students living on-campus and off-campus. First-year students can live in any of the university’s residence halls. Whereas, the Graduate students can live in Wallace Hall, SUV, and Frederikson Court.

Media

The Iowa State Daily is IA State student newspaper. Furthermore, ISUtv is the university’s student run television station. 88.5 KURE is the university’s student-run radio station.

Commonly asked questions
On Others

Q: Is there any Indian Student Association at IA State?

Q: Where is Iowa State University located?

Q: How much does housing cost in Iowa State?

Iowa State University Research

ISU Ames IA is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research activity. Also, note that this university is affiliated with the Ames National Laboratory, the Plant Sciences Institute, the Bio-renewables Research Laboratory, and a number of other research institutes. Iowa State is a member of the Universities Research Association, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. As per the facts of this university, USD 346 Million is the external research funding in FY 24. There have been 630 patent applications over the last 5 years.

Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details 2

Q: Is Iowa State an R1 University?

Iowa State University Acceptance Rate

As per the official statistics, Iowa State acceptance rate is around 89%. This means that the university is less selective. Even in the last some years, the university’s acceptance rate has ranged between 88% - 91%.

Year	No. of Applications Received	No. of Admitted Students	Admit Rate
2024-25	23,095	20,475	88.66%
2023-24	22,995	20,496	89.13%
2022-23	21,919	19,776	90.22%
2021-22	20,357	18,550	91.12%
2020-21	20223	17882	88.42%

Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details

Q: What do international students require to apply to Iowa State?

Q: Is Iowa State University hard to get into?

Iowa State University FAQs for Indian Students

Q: Does Iowa State require SAT or ACT?

Q: What GPA do we need for a Masters degree in Iowa State University Master of Finance?

Q: What things should every freshman starting at Iowa State University know?

Q: What do international students need to get into Iowa State University?

Q: What is needed to apply to Iowa State?

Q: What are the Automatic Scholarships for international students at Iowa State University?

Q: What are the English language proficiency requirements for Indian applicants at IA state?

Comments

Iowa State University

Student Forum

Anything you would want to ask experts?

Write here...

Is Iowa State University hard to get into?

Answered 2 months ago

Iowa State University acceptance rate stands at 88.66%, meaning that out of every students who apply to the Iowa State admissions, the university is likely to admit around 88-89 of the applicants and offer them the opportunity to enroll on the ISU campus. Thus, it can be concluded that the admissio

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

What is the racial makeup of Iowa State University?

Answered 2 months ago

Iowa State University accepts students from all around the globe, with various ethnic and racial backgrounds. The student demographics for ISU can be checked from the table below:

Ethnic/Racial Group	Headcount
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic	15
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic	36
Black or African American, non-Hispanic	623
Two or more races, non-Hispanic	836
Nonresidents	955
Asian, non-Hispanic	1,099
Race and/or ethnicity unknown	1,140
Hispanic/Latino	1,801
White, non-Hispanic	19,123
Total	25,628

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

What majors is Iowa state known for?

Answered 2 months ago

Iowa offers 100+ bachelor's degrees and 100+ master's programs. Some of the most popular majors at Iowa State University, along with the percentage of degree recipients for the same is given below:

Bachelor’s degree	%	Master’s degree	%
Mechanical Engineering	5.5%	Information Technology	14.1%
General Marketing & Marketing Management	5.12%	Human Computer Interaction	5.39%
Kinesiology & Exercise Science	3.87%	Dietetics	4.93%
General Psychology	3.8%	Accounting	4.47%
General Animal Sciences	3.59%	Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering	4.13%
General Finance	3.28%	General Biomedical Sciences	3.56%

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

How much does housing cost in Iowa state?

Answered 2 months ago

The latest Iowa State University cost for on-campus housing is given below:

Type of Housing	2025-26 Rates
Barton, Lyon, Friley, Freeman, Oak, Linden, Roberts, etc.	Double, No AC: USD 5,516 (INR 4.7L) Double, with AC: USD 5,952 (INR 5L) Single, no AC: USD 6,600 (INR 5.6L) Single, with AC: USD 7,032 (INR 6L)
Wallace & Wilson	USD 4,868 – 5,952 (INR 4.1L - 5L)
Suites & Geoffroy Hall	USD 7,300 – 8,386 (INR 6.2L - 7.1L)
Frederiksen Court Apartments	USD 5,430 – 7,359 (INR 4.6L - 6.2L)
Schilletter and University Village Apartments	USD 3,839 – 7,679 (INR 3.2L - 6.5L)

1 USD = INR 85.50

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

What is your review of Iowa State University?

Answered 7 months ago

According to Shiksha, the overall rating of Iowa State University is 3.7. Some of the component ratings for this university include 4.1 for student life, 4.4 for public transportation, 4.1 for quality of faculty, 3.9 for part-time work. Some of the reviews posted by students on Shiksha, here are som

Himanshi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

Kanishk Aggarwal

Study Abroad Expert

Kanishk Aggarwal is a content writer at Shiksha.com, creating content for universities abroad. Having pursued an M.Sc. in Forensic Science from GD Goenka University, Gurugram, he has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding stud...Read Full Bio