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90.2%Acceptance
$10,497Tuition
25,033Students
76%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$63,386Earnings
#3 in IowaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$10,497
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,683
Average Net Price
$18,165
Students Receiving Financial Aid
18.5%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$9,726
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$9,726
Books & Supplies
$1,091
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,314
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,869
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$242/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
75.9%
Students Taking Federal Loans
45.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.5%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $11,734
$30,001 – $48,000 $12,465
$48,001 – $75,000 $15,430
$75,001 – $110,000 $19,807
$110,001+ $21,827

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Families typically pay $18,165 per year at Iowa State, well below the $27,683 out-of-state sticker price. The actual cost varies dramatically by income, from $11,734 for families earning under $30,000 to $21,827 for those making over $110,000. Over four years, expect to pay between $47,000 and $87,000 depending on your family's financial situation.

Most graduates leave with $22,869 in debt, translating to $242 monthly payments. With median earnings of $63,386 ten years out, that's a manageable 4.6% of income going toward loans. The 76% loan repayment rate suggests most Cyclones handle their debt successfully. Engineering and agriculture programs command strong starting salaries that justify the investment. Low-income students get the strongest value proposition here, paying roughly half what wealthy families pay while accessing the same strong research facilities and career networks.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Iowa State University:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.