# Iowa State University

Ames, IA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/iowa-state-university

Iowa State University is a public college in Ames, IA with 25,367 undergraduates. It admits 89% of applicants, and admitted students average 1204 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $18,517 per year ($11,957 for families earning under $30,000). 77% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $67,568 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 89% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 22,995 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 20,496 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 560–670 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 560–690 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 21–28 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $24,539 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $18,517 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $11,957 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $12,869 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $14,013 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $19,173 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $22,905 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 25,367 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 77% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $67,568 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,250 (FY2024) |

## What Iowa State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Iowa State University's acceptance rate?**

Iowa State University admits 89% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 560–670 on SAT Reading and Writing and 560–690 on SAT Math; the average total is 1204.

**What ACT score do you need for Iowa State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 21–28.

**Is Iowa State University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Iowa State University?**

In Fall 2023, 22,995 students applied to Iowa State University and 20,496 were admitted; 5,859 enrolled.

**Does Iowa State University consider legacy status?**

No. Iowa State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Iowa State University require an essay?**

Iowa State University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Iowa State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $24,539 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,517.

**What is Iowa State University's graduation rate?**

77% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 153603. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology