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Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, commonly referred to as Iowa State or ISU, is a public research university located in Ames, Iowa. Established in 1858, it is the largest university in the state and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Iowa State is known for its strong focus on science and technology education and research, evident in its robust range of academic programs and extensive research facilities.
With over 100 majors spread across eight colleges, Iowa State provides a diverse range of educational opportunities to its over 37,000 students. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, catering to a wide range of interests and career goals. Notably, Iowa State is well-regarded for its programs in fields such as agriculture, engineering, business, veterinary medicine, and computer science.
Research is a cornerstone of Iowa State's identity, and the university is recognized for its cutting-edge discoveries and innovations in various scientific fields. It houses numerous research centers and institutes where faculty and students collaborate on groundbreaking projects. Iowa State's research efforts have a significant impact on society, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, materials science, and sustainable agriculture.
Aside from its academic and research achievements, Iowa State offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams. The university's athletic program, named the Cyclones, competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Big 12 Conference. Additionally, the campus boasts beautiful green spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and a welcoming community that fosters personal growth and success.
In conclusion, Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a renowned institution that places a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research. With its wide array of academic programs, commitment to groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life, Iowa State offers students an exceptional educational experience. Whether pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, students benefit from a supportive environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and personal growth.
Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a public university located in Ames, IA and set in a suburban environment. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 89%. The freshman retention rate at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is 85% and the six-year graduation rate is 75%.
Here are some essential information on important things to consider about Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
Quick Facts
25,332
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
89%
Acceptance Rate
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
75%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Learning as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission maximizes your chances of getting admitted. Check out some vital facts about admission policy and requirements at Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 20,496 in 2024. Iowa State University of Science and Technology has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the student. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of students who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 10% and ACT scores 51%. 13.5% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 46.2% between 1,200 and 1,399, 33% between 1,000 and 1,199, 6.8% between 800 and 999, and 0.5% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 15.4, 40.4 between 24-29, 35.7 in the range between 18-23, and 8.4 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the accepted students in 2024 was 24 while the average GPA was 3.73. Accordingly, you'll probably need an above-average GPA in order to be granted acceptance, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 600 and an average SAT Math score of 620.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Iowa State University of Science and Technology was 85%, a clear indication of the excellence and value of the educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 75%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the best place for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 2024 was 30,177.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 39% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 25,332, 825 of which were international students. The school admitted a total of 1,314 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 14,813 male and 12,496 female full-time students in 2024. This school had 1,447 full-time graduate male and 1,582 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
The significance of student diversity cannnot be denied, when it comes to the overall feeling of inclusion and beloning among the students of any school. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 1,100, while the number of Afro-American students was 656. 1,803 undergrads at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 780 as multirace. The school also had 14 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 31 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 532 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you send an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. Here are some details you should know about the expenses at Iowa State University of Science and Technology that the majority of students face.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Iowa State University of Science and Technology? Here is what you need to know.
If you are an area resident, your tuition was $9,252. For students who don't live in the state in which the university is located, the tuition was $27,346 in 2024. Tuition costs at Iowa State University of Science and Technology for international students stood at $27,346. Fees per academic year required of full-time students came to a total of $1,515 in 2024.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $27,346 | $1,515 | $28,861 |
| In-State | $9,252 | $1,515 | $10,767 |
Books and Supplies
The estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another important financial factor. The approximate price of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,091.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What do schools typically charge for accommodation and meals?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Iowa State University of Science and Technology was $9,726 in 2024. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 stood at $4,862 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $4,862.
| Tuition | $ 9,252 |
| Room and Board | $ 9,726 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,091 |
| Total Expense | $ 20,069 |
Financial Aid
Financial aid for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Iowa State University of Science and Technology, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent records show that 2,702 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $14,829 in financial help.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
10,824 students were given some form of need-based financial aid. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 11,136. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $28,794,516, and state $2,166,914. The students of Iowa State University of Science and Technology received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $81,252,625, and external in the amount of $5,412,913.
$5,164
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 4,813 students overall (including freshmen) at Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 2024. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 1,268 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $28,794,516 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $3,514,080. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $55,199,000. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $8,439,215 USD.
Majors
Faculty
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
In 2024, this ratio at Iowa State University of Science and Technology was 18:1. That means that there were 18 times more students than teachers at this school. This school has recently reported to have 1,678 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 991 male and 687 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some information about campus life at Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
It has a campus size of 1,795 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 831. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. At this school, 14% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 14 for female students. Other popular organizations among the students at Iowa State University of Science and Technology are Intramural Sports Activities and Greek Life.
Those interested in music can join the Iowa State University of Science and Technology band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. For individuals with an interest in media and communication, Iowa State University of Science and Technology publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Iowa State University of Science and Technology offers a number of services vital for a comfortable and secure life on campus.
There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
All in all, campus life at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
Career Counselling
At Iowa State University of Science and Technology, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Iowa State University of Science and Technology is located in Ames, IA.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Iowa State University of Science and Technology is 89%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Iowa State University of Science and Technology is 85%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.