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CollegeGrad School

Iowa State University

#2 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
  • 4 Year
  • Ames, IA
  • 3,549 reviews
    How to Apply
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A-
    2. Value
      A
    3. Diversity
      A-
    4. Campus
      A
    5. Athletics
      A
    6. Party Scene
      A
    7. Professors
      A
    8. Location
      B+
    9. Dorms
      B+
    10. Campus Food
      A-
    11. Student Life
      A+
    12. Safety
      B
    View Full Report Card
    Iowa State is a highly rated public university located in Ames, Iowa. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 28,743 undergraduate students. The Iowa State acceptance rate is 89%. Popular majors include Mechanical Engineering, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Marketing. Graduating 73% of students, Iowa State alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $41,200.
    About Iowa State University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I-FBS
    Athletic Conference
    Big 12 Conference
    Address
    1750 Beardshear Hall
    Ames, IA 50010
    Website
    iastate.edu

    Iowa State University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    89%
    Application Deadline
    —
    SAT Range
    1160-1410
    ACT Range
    22-28
    Application Fee
    $40
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    No

    Cost

    Net Price
    $13,949/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $7,882/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    88%

    Academics

    Professors
    A
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    19:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    79%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.189 responses
    67%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.226 responses
    57%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.226 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Mechanical Engineering
      417 Graduates
    • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
      302 Graduates
    • Marketing
      293 Graduates
    • Agricultural Business
      261 Graduates
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      249 Graduates
    • Psychology
      242 Graduates
    • Finance
      233 Graduates
    • Animal Sciences and Husbandry
      231 Graduates
    • Elementary Education
      199 Graduates
    • Accounting
      179 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    28,743Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    1,828
    Undergrads Over 25
    3%
    Pell Grant
    20%
    Varsity Athletes
    2%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 154 responses
    Report
    • Well balanced between school and social life
      71%
    • Social
      12%
    • Academic based
      8%
    • Conservative Farmer
      5%
    • Diverse
      3%
    • Thriving
      1%
    • Stressed
      1%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    —
    Poll
    52%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.273 responses
    Poll
    75%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.334 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 175 responses
    Report
    • Bustling with activity
      26%
    • Big engineering school.
      21%
    • Choose your adventure
      20%
    • The best
      11%
    • Very science focused
      9%
    • Good Agricultural school
      7%
    • Very crowded
      4%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $50,700/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    73%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    96%
    National
    83%
    93%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.156 responses
    Colleges like Iowa State University
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    Iowa State University Reviews

    3,549 reviews
    All Categories
    I love Iowa State University! It has a daunting list of possibilities for majors, minors, and extracurricular, is a very affordable price when compared to other schools, and when specializing, the options are very well taught. I have yet to run into a teacher I can't get help with, and there are options galore for help in every subject. It is easy to change/add/drop classes/majors/minors, the advisers are knowledgeable, and there are many chances for about everything. The slogan "It's your adventure", is very true! People here are very supportive/helpful. There are safe rides home if you feel uncomfortable for any reason and advisories whenever something happens.
    Most classes hold students to high standards, but are also relatable enough to not slough off the unfortunate struggling students. Campus is gorgeous, clubs and activities are numerous, and I believe I will be very successful in life thanks to ISU.
    Start Your Review of Iowa State University
    Rate It!
    Iowa State is a great school! I have already made lots of friends and it is really easy to get involved! The dorms good, but can get pricey if you are living in a newer building. It's also pretty easy to get around campus because of CyRide, which is free for all students. All in all, if you are thinking of attending Iowa State, you should definitely apply. The atmosphere here is great, our teams are nationally known and you'll never have a greater college experience!
    Iowa State is a great institution: beautiful campus, caring teachers, and degree programs that are thorough and engaging. It was amazing to be able to go to a school in the middle of Iowa; the distractions are not like what they are in big cities so you can focus and get what you want out of your education.

    I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design, and I cannot begin to say enough great things about the program and the professors. It's competitive to get in: when I was in the program they only admitted 60 applicants a year. I was able to study a wide range of design-related things, allowing me to follow my passions. I'm so thankful to have spent my formative years there under great leadership and inspiring coursework!