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Iowa State University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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Iowa State University Admissions
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International students must have above-average academic performance in their previous education for Iowa State University admissions 2025. Applicants can check below the application deadline for UG and PG admission at Iowa:

  • Iowa State University deadline for UG admission is on a Rolling basis
  • ISU application deadlines vary by program for graduate admission

Read more about the Iowa State University

Iowa State University Admission Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State?
A: 

International students who wish to study at Iowa State must have at least GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission. International transfer applicants must have a minimum equivalent GPA of C+ on a scale of A to F or 2.25 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable courses.

Q:   I've got admission offers for Bachelors in aerospace engineering from Arizona University and Iowa State. Which one should I choose?
A: 

The University of Arizona and Iowa State University are among the top universities to study Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering in the USA. They offers quality eductaion and better career oppurtunities to graduates. Mentioned below is the comparision between Arizona University and Iowa State for a Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering:

Universities1st Year Tuition FeesAcceptance Rate
Arizona UniversityINR 34.37 L88%
Iowa StateINR 23.15 L90%

As per the above data, Iowa is better than Arizona in terms of tuition fees to study BS in Aerospace Engineering. 

Iowa State University MS Admission 2025

49 courses 1 year - 4 years
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23L - 45.4L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • 10+2 with 50% aggregate
  • Accepting Exams: PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   What are the admission requirements for Iowa State University MS in Information Systems?
A: 

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

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

Q:   Is GRE required for Iowa State University MS in CS?
A: 

As a programme requirement for Iowa State University MS in CS, GRE score is needed. However, for Spring 2024 and earlier, GRE waivers are automatically considered when evaluating pre-applications. No separate waivers are required for this. From Fall 2024, the applicants who meet the criteria on the Computer Science Department’s Graduate Admissions website may submit a waiver request.

Iowa State University Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   What is the deadline to apply to Iowa State University?
A: 

Iowa State has a rolling admissions policy, which means that the university evaluates applications when they receive them, and not after a deadline date. Mentioned below are the Iowa State application deadline for PG admissions:

Graduate Programs

Application Deadlines

Masters of Accounting

Summer 2025: Mar 15, 2025

Fall 2025: Jun 15, 2025

Spring 2025: Nov 15, 2025

MS in Civil Engineering

Spring 2025: Aug 01, 2025

Fall 2026: Dec 15, 2025

MS in Computer Engineering

Spring 2026: Sep 01, 2025

Fall 2026: Jan 15, 2026

MS in Computer Science

 

Fall 2025: Jun 01, 2025

Spring 2026: Nov 01, 2025

Q:   How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
A: 

After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.

Q:   How much is the application fee for Iowa State University?
A: 

Iowa State University application fee vary as per the application type for International students. Mentioned below are the application fee for Iowa application:

Programs

Application fee for International Students

Undergraduates  (prior to fall 2025):

USD 50 or INR 4,181

Undergraduates  (fall 2025 and after):

USD 65 or INR 5435.30

Graduates

USD 100 or INR 8,362.20

Non-Degree  (prior to fall 2025):

USD 40 or INR 3,344.8

Non-Degree  (fall 2025 and after):

USD 55 or INR 4,599.1

Veterinary Medicine

USD 80 or INR 6,689.6

 (USD 1 = INR 83.62)

Check the list of USA Universities with No Application Fees

Iowa State University Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission
Q:   Is it hard to get into Iowa State?
A: 

ISU University has received 22,995 applications among which 5,859 get admission offers for the fall of 2023-24. Iowa State acceptance rate is around 90%, which means out of 100 applications 90 get admission. Therefore, it is not hard to get into Iowa State University for International students.

Q:   What are the admission requirements for Iowa State University?
A: 

Iowa State University requirements vary by programme type for international students. Mentioned below are the Iowa State University admission requirements for International students:

Iowa University UG entry requirements:

·      Must complete a high-school or its equivalent

·      A minimum equivalent ACT/

·      The ACT/SAT is optional for ISU admission for international applicants. Applicants may choose whether or not to submit ACT/SAT scores if they have them.

·      Submit English proficiency exam results

·      Transcripts of all high schools or universities attended

·      Provide a Bank statement or sponsor letter showing USD 46,000, equivalent to one year’s expenses

·      Copy of passport, and visa (if available)

Iowa University PG entry requirements:

·      Iowa State requires a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university before beginning graduate studies

·      International degrees must be comparable to a US bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university regionally accredited/recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country

·      A minimum cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B grade) is required for PG admission

·      Meet the English proficiency requirements of your program

·      Submit a Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

·      Three essays (numbers vary by programs)

Iowa State University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.8/5
Verified Icon19 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 21% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Academically oriented
Multi-dimensional
Friendly
Sporty
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
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3250
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75950
Reviewed on 29 May 2025Read more
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R
Ridhima Verified Icon
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3075
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70550
Reviewed on 29 May 2025Read more
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N
Netaji meka Verified Icon
MS in Information Systems - Batch of 2020
5
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.
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 700
Prepping time for classes22 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70000
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2025Read more
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C
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 950
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77500
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3
A transition to the new environment and culture shift.
Tips: Moving to a new country was quite a challenging experience initially. The cultural shift was significant, 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
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024Read more
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S
Sohan Appalabhaktula Verified Icon
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2025
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
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2024Read more
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View All 19 ReviewsRight Arrow Icon

Iowa State University Admissions 2024 FAQs

Q:   What are the requirements for admission to Iowa State University for a student from India?
A: 

Iowa State University requirements vary by programme for Indian students. Mentioned below are the admission criteria for Undergraduate and graduate admission at Iowa State:

Iowa State requirements for UG admission:

  • Complete a high-school degree in a relevent descipline
  • A minimum equivalent GPA of B or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • ISU is 'test-optional'. The ACT/SAT is not required for admission to ISU for international applicants. Applicants may choose whether or not to submit ACT/SAT scores if they have them

Iowa State requirements for PG admission:

  • A bachelor’s or higher degree 
  • A minimum GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B grade) is required for admission
  • Meet the English proficiency requirements of the Graduate College and the graduate program
  • There is no requirement for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score; however, most programs do require one or the other.
Q:   Is GRE required for Iowa State University?
A: 

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.

Q:   What are the requirements for Iowa State University?
A: 

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

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)

Q:   What is the deadline to apply for MBA admissions at Iowa State University?
A: 

Applicants can apply for Professional (part-time) admission in the fall, spring, or summer intake. Mentioned below are the ISU MBA admission deadlines for part-time study:

Intakes

Application Deadlines

Fall

15 Jun, 2025

Spring

15 Nov, 2025

Summer

closed

Q:   Is Iowa State University good for international students?
A: 

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:   Does Iowa State University accept Duolingo English Test?
A: 

Yes, Iowa State University accepts Duolingo test scores as proof of English language proficiency for admission to both undergraduate and graduate courses. The score required in Duolingo as well as Iowa State University IELTS requirement details are given below:

Tests

Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Courses

TOEFL iBT

71 overall, with a minimum score of 17 in both Writing & Speaking sections

79

TOEFL PBT

530

550

IELTS

6.0 overall, with a minimum band score of 5.5

6.5

PTE

48

53

Duolingo

100 overall

105

Q:   What are the things that every freshman starting at Iowa State University know?
A: 

Some of the things that freshman students starting at Iowa State University must know are: 

  • Check out the local parks, shop downtown and interact with the locals
  • Volunteer
  • Go to ISU Sporting events
  • Develop social skills
  • Get a job as the applicants will need some experience on their resume
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