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Iowa State University: Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
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1900 acre campus- Estd. 1858
Last updated on 12 Aug '25Iowa State UniversityWhat'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.
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 |
|
|
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:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
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.
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
As per a student who studied BS in Computer Engineering at Iowa State University, some of the good things at the university:
- The labs
- Professors and classes
- Tutoring
- Cubs and Activities
- Sports
- Restaurants
According to another student review, the following are the good things at Iowa State University:
- Campus
- Education
- Safety
- Student organizations
According to The Princeton Review, classes at Iowa State University are hands-on and coursework is challenging in such a way that they will be prepared to perform well in their career. Furthermore, the professors and assistants are very helpful at this university. There are hundreds of student organizations in which one can participate. The overall student rating of Iowa State is 3.8 and the safety rating is 4.0 (As per Shiksha Study Abroad).
Also Check: Iowa State University Reviews
Iowa State University Ranking 2025
The Iowa State University is among the top universities in the USA and globally category. It ranked at #79 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 #470 in the World University Ranking by QS in 2025.
According to THE (Times Higher Education), Iowa State University ranking is #351 in 2024, which showcases an improved trend when compared with 2024.
Furthermore, the university’s courses have been ranked nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the Iowa State University subject ranking for 2025 are given below:
| Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| MIM | #119 |
| BBA | #81 |
| MS | #56 |
| MBA/PGDM | #102 |
| Others PG | #115 |
#373
#76
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of Iowa as well as Iowa State University are two well-known institutions in US and good abroad options for students. When it comes to rankings, the Iowa State University ranka #121 in Best National Universities, whereas, the University of Iowa ranks at #98 position in 2025.
Mentioned below is the comparison between both the universities on the basis of some other parameters that can help you choose the better university for you:
Parameters | University of Iowa | Iowa State University |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance Rate | 85% | 89% |
Average GPA | 3.83 | 3.0 |
Annual Tuition Fee | INR 23 L - 48 L | INR 20 L - INR 43 L |
According to a top-ranking publisher, IA State ranking in the US is #121 in 2025 edition of National University category. For the 2024 edition of National Universities, this university ranks at #115. Though the university’s position has declined in 2025 rankings, this university still ranks in the Top 200 Universities of the US in 2025 as well as 2024.
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
4.0(2)1 year - 4 years
13.7K+ students got admitted through us.
Harshitha + 10 others got admitted through us.
3.6(1)4 - 5 years16 students got admitted to this university
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
As per the unofficial sources, Iowa State University popular majors are Engineering; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, etc. Other popular majors are:
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Agricultural / Animal / Plant / Veterinary Science and Related Fields
- Education
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
As per the Princeton Review, Iowa State Ivy College of Business MBA is ranked at #3 in the US for Best Administered On-Campus MBA program. This ranking includes 244 Business schools that were selected using a combination of factors including institutional and student survey data. Data used includes career outcomes, admissions selectivity, academic vigor, among others. Also, Ivy MBA is ranked at #50 as per a top-ranking publisher for Best Graduate Schools. Because of this ranking, the university ranks in the Top 10% of the MBA programs in the US.
The BS in Computer Science at Iowa State University prepares students for graduate study in Computer Science and for various businesses, industry, and government positions including Information Technologists, Computer Scientists, and Software Developers. Students must have high school education to take admissions in BS in CS at Iowa. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required from Indian applicants. Students who wish to enter ISU directly from high school must also meet the minimum high school requirements for admission as given below:
- 4 years of English language (Focus on Writing, Speaking, and Reading as well as an understanding and appreciation of Literature)
- 3 years of Mathematics (Including one year each of Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra)
- 3 years of Science (Including at least two years of courses that emphasize elements of Chemistry, Biology or Physics)
- 2 years of Social Studies
The duration of the IA State University MSc in CS course is 2 years. The university's highly regarded academics, groundbreaking research, and supportive environment make the Department of Computer Science an exceptional place to pursue an advanced degree with immediate career applications. The university's CS department faculty includes ACM Distinguished Scientists, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Fellows, and Fulbright Scholars. Also, M.Sc in CS graduates of this university goes on to work at top organizations like Microsoft, Google, Walt Disney, Kingland, LinkedIn, etc.
Iowa State University Admission 2026
Students seeking admission to Iowa State University have to fill the online application form, submit mandatory documents and pay the application fee. Iowa State University accepts some exam scores at the time of admission, including English language exams. Some of the exam scores that Indian students have to submit for admission are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE and GMAT. The documents that have to be submitted are SOP, LOR, Essay and CV.
- Application fees :USD 50 - 100
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
International students must meet the Iowa GPA requirements to get admission to MS in Computer Science program. Mentioned below is the general Iowa State University requirements for MS in CS admission:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- A 4-year’s bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Academic records / transcripts
- English language proficiency score: TOEFL iBT: 79 / IELTS: 6.5 / PTE: 53 / Duolingo: 105
- Letters of Recommendation
- Financial Statement
Check more details about MS in CS in USA from here
There is no university-wide requirement that graduate applicants of Iowa State University are required to submit the results of GRE or GMAT. However, most of the programs do require one of these exams. The applicants are advised to check the course page to know about the exact requirements from the official website of Iowa State University. Apart from submitting these scores, other application materials that the applicants have to submit for admission to graduate courses at Iowa State University include Statement of Purpose, English language proficiency score, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.
Yes, Iowa State University MBA requires a GMAT score. Given below are the application requirements for this course:
- Online application
- Resume
- College transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- GMAT / GRE score
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test score
International students must complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a qualifying GPA to study Iowa MS in Information Systems. Mentioned below are the Iowa State University requirements for international students for MS in Information Systems admission:
- A 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Academic transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- English language proficiency score
- GMAT / GRE score is not needed
- Financial Statement
Iowa State UniversityIowa 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
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Iowa State University scholarships are available for first-year International students on the basis of their merit. Scholarship selection is competitive based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school marks/grades. Students must complete the ‘OneApp scholarship application’ to apply for the award. Mentioned below are the popular Iowa State scholarships:
International Merit Scholarship (Spring and Fall) | Amount |
|---|---|
Award of Achievement | Up to INR 33.44 L (INR 4.18 L/yr – INR 8.36 L/yr) |
Award of Distinction | Up to INR 13.37 L (INR 1.67 L/yr – INR 3.34 L/yr) |
Some of the scholarships that are offered by ISU to international students are given below:
- International Merit Awards: These scholarships are awarded to those undergraduate students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and outstanding talent or achievements. The award of achievement is USD up to USD 40,000 and the award of distinction is up to USD 16,000
- International Excellence Awards: International first-year students who have been granted admission to ISU will be automatically awarded these renewable merit scholarships for high-achieving applicants on the basis of high school GPA and SAT or ACT score submitted. Under this, President’s Award for International Student Excellence is USD 48,000 and for Dean’s Award for International Students is USD 40,000
Also Read: Scholarships to Study in the USA for International Students
First-year students at IA State are considered for a limited number of merit scholarships. The scholarship selection is competitive based on a holistic review of SAT / ACT scores and high school marks / grades. Students must complete the OneApp scholarship application in order to be considered for this award. The award amount is given below:
- Award of Achievement: Up to $40,000 ($5,000 - $10,000 per year)
- Award Distinction: Up to $16,000 ($2,000 - $4,000 per year)
Iowa State offers International Student Excellence Award to international UG students. These are merit-based scholarships offered to high-achieving applicants based on the high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores submitted during the admissions application process. Note that this scholarship cannot be combined with the International Merit Scholarship. The scholarship award value as per this scholarship is given below:
- President’s Award for International Student Excellence: $48,000 ($12,000 per year)
- Dean’s Award for International Student Excellence: $40,000 (10,000 per year)
2 yearsIowa State UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
18 Verified Reviews- 17% students never faced discrimination in this university
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:
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Here are some of the top recruiters for Iowa State University MBA graduates:
- Cargill
- Conagra Brands
- Intel
- Citadel
- Midwest Asset
- Walmart
- Honeywell
- General Mills
- U.S. Bank
- Pella
- PIC
The popular majors at Iowa State University include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Education; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Engineering; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, etc.
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 |
B.E. / B.Tech(20 courses) | INR 25 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 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
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 |
BBA(14 courses) | INR 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 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 |
M.A.(12 courses) | INR 22 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-4 years Exam Accepted: PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL: 79 - 100, IELTS: 6 & Above |
B.A.(11 courses) | INR 25 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
BFA(2 courses) | INR 25 L - 28 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 |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Yes, the GRE is required for Iowa State University MS in Artificial Intelligence course. To get into this course, admission requirements that are needed are:
- A 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required
- Academic transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is needed
- Proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL iBT: 79 / IELTS 6.5 / PTE score of 53 / Duolingo score of 105
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial statement
Iowa State University requirements for Indian students are given below:
Undergraduate Applicants
Minimum Academic Requirements
A minimum equivalent GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 scale or B is required for Iowa State University admissions to undergraduate courses
- General Scale: 50%
- India School Certificate: 6 on a scale of 1-9
- CBSE / CCE: B2 on a scale of A1 to E2
- National Institute of Open Schooling SSSE: 61 out of 100, D on a scale of A-I, or Good
Admission Decision
- An admission decision of Iowa State University may be based on the transcripts for the 3 years before the final year of high school along with other supporting documents
Other Details
- The applicants are required to achieve the Higher Secondary Certificate, or its equivalent, and submit complete final official transcripts confirming the completion of high school along with Class 10 and 12 board exam results
Standardized exam scores
- ACT / SAT test scores (Optional policy)
Minimum High School preparation
- 4 years of native language
- 3 years of Mathematics (Including beginning algebra, geometry and advanced algebra)
- 3 years of Science (Including 2 years of courses that focused on Biology, Chemistry or Physics elements)
- 2 years of Social Studies (3 years of applicants to ISU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences)
- Applicants to majors in the LAS and Engineering colleges should have 2 years of a single foreign language (English can be used if its not the native language)
Graduate Applicants
- A bachelor’s or higher degree
- International degrees must be comparable to the US bachelor’s degree or higher degree
- 3 years degree from India, Canada (excluding Quebec), Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan are not accepted. 3-year degrees from other countries will be reviewed on an individual basis)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for Iowa State University admission
For Iowa State University admissions, international students are required to pay the application fee. The application fee for undergraduate international students is USD 50. On the other hand, Iowa State University application fee for graduate students is USD 100. The documents required to submit Iowa State application are:
Undergraduate Courses
- Academic records
- Financial documents
- Official test results (As applicable)
- English language proficiency score
- Passport copy
Graduate Courses
- Academic records
- Financial documents
- GRE / GMAT
- English language proficiency test score
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
Housing varies depending on where the student decides to stay. If they want to live in the dorms on campus, the cost would go around $8000-10000 (including food and housing) for one year. Off campus is also around the same price but for off campus apartments, usually the apartments closer to campus tend to be more expensive than the ones further from campus. Shared apartments/apartments with roommates are also usually cheaper than single apartments and this applies for both- on and off campus.
Iowa State UniversityStudent profile
Others
85%
Hispanic
7%
Asian
4%
Black
2%
In state
52%
Out of state
44%
Foreign
2%
UG Number of Applicant
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 |
 |
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
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 22.94 L - 45.35 L | #401 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 17.66 L - 61.68 L | #143 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 19.79 L - 46.48 L | #232 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.96 L - 57.12 L | #80 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 18.44 L - 34.84 L | #151 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 11.61 L - 69.15 L | #151 US News, 2026 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
According to student reviews over an unofficial source, here are some of the highlights of Iowa State University and University of Iowa:
- While both these universities offer Engineering degrees, Iowa State is the state ‘Land Grant’ university with a comprehensive Engineering program. It is also known for its Agricultural, Veterinary, Medicine, and Agronomy / Plant Genetics programs
- University of Iowa’s Engineering programs have evolved with emphasis in some specialty areas such as Environmental and Hydrology
- Iowa State University acceptance rate is around 89%, whereas, that of the University of Iowa is around 85%
Iowa State UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
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
IA State University is located in the heart of the Midwest in Ames, Iowa. Recently, Ames was named one of America's most livable small cities. Also, Iowa State's campus has been called one of the Top 25 beautiful campuses in the country. While studying at this university, students can go to Broadway musicals, cultural events, concerts, and Big 12 Conference events and can also experience dozens of local restaurants and shops, bowling alleys, movie theatres, etc. Also, there are 800+ student organizations at the campus.
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
IA State University is a student-centric leading land grant university recognised worldwide for excellence in Science & Technology, discovery & innovation. The university offers more than 100 UG, over 110 PG and nearly 85 Doctoral courses. Iowa State is established as an R1: Doctoral University with world-class scholars tackling challenges with innovative research and solutions. The university welcomes international students as well. A total of 2,800+ international students are enrolled in Fall 2024, comprising 9.5% of the total student enrollment.
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
First-year international applicants aiming to apply to IA State University must have passed high school. Additionally, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, one must also complete these high-school courses:
- Four years of English
- Three years of Science
- Three years of Math
- Two years of Social Studies
Additionally, SAT / ACT scores are also required for UG studies admission. However, students who get at least a 1200 on the SAT or a 25 Composite score on the ACT shall be automatically considered to meet the 3.0 GPA requirement. Also, students are required to meet the English language proficiency requirement.
Graduate applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Many programs may require GMAT / GRE scores, so check with the official website of the university to know the details.
Iowa State University FAQs for Indian Students
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.
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
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
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
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
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)
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 |
Iowa State University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Applicants have to pay the non-refundable Iowa University application fee to submit the admission application. We have mentioned the University of Iowa application fee for international students below: UG and PG: USD 100 or INR 8.5K
(USD 1 = 89.23)
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 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
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 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% |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 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
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 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
H
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
Iowa State University
Iowa State University picture
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Iowa State UniversityLocation
| University City | Ames, Iowa, USA |
| Size of city | Small |
| Population of City | 66,191 |
Iowa State UniversityCampuses
2433 Union Drive Ames, IA 50011-2042, USA
Visit official site
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