About Iowa State University
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,165 annually, which drops to just $11,734 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,386 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,869 manageable with monthly payments of $242. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job prospects after graduation.
The Cyclones compete in the Big 12 Conference with 14 varsity sports, creating serious school spirit on campus. Men slightly outnumber women at 56% to 44%, and the student body remains predominantly white at 77%. The 88% retention rate indicates most students find their academic and social fit in this tight-knit university community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.5%
- Retention Rate
- 87.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,386
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $94,408 |
| Statistics. | Master | $91,744 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $89,059 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $77,119 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,839 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,321 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,734 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,680 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,083 |
| Plant Sciences. | Master | $68,219 |
Campus Life
Weekends revolve around Cyclones athletics, especially football games that pack Jack Trice Stadium in the Big 12. The male-heavy student body (55.6% men) reflects the university's engineering and agriculture focus. Students flock to Campustown, the strip of bars and restaurants just south of campus that serves as the unofficial social headquarters. VEISHEA, the massive spring festival, was retired in 2014 after decades as the school's biggest tradition, but smaller celebrations like Homecoming still draw alumni back to see the engineering college's elaborate lawn displays. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but the tight-knit college town atmosphere keeps the campus feeling manageable despite its size.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 10,465 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1858
Campus Safety (2023)
157 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 58 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–28°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 32.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 55.6%
- Women
- 44.4%
- White
- 77.1%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 7.2%
- Asian
- 4.4%
- In-State Students
- 59.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.5%
Location
- Address
- Ames, Iowa 50011-2103
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,386
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,176
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $242/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,869
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?
Iowa State accepts 90.22% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1090-1350 on the SAT. This land-grant university prioritizes providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students.
How much does Iowa State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,165 annually for all students. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,734 on average after aid. Iowa State keeps costs reasonable as a public research university focused on practical education.
What is Iowa State University known for academically?
Iowa State excels in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university operates under the motto "Science with Practice" and has produced Nobel Prize winners including Norman Borlaug. Its research focus drives innovation in farming, technology, and animal science.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Iowa State University?
Graduates earn a median salary of $63,386 ten years after graduation with a 97.2% employment rate. The university's 75.50% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success. Iowa State's strong industry connections in agriculture and engineering help graduates find well-paying careers.
Where is Iowa State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Ames, a classic college town that houses 10,465 students in residence halls. With 25,033 total students and 14 varsity sports teams competing as the Cyclones in the Big 12, school spirit runs high. The semester system and small-city setting create a focused academic environment.
Does Iowa State University have a strong athletic program?
The Cyclones compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference with 462 total athletes. The university awards $9,730,193 in athletic scholarships across 14 varsity sports. Iowa State athletics are deeply woven into campus culture and provide fierce competition, especially against rival University of Iowa.
