Iowa State University Tuition, Acceptance Rate and Admissions (2026)

Ames, IA · Public · Graduate degree · College Scorecard data · Updated September 10, 2026

In-State Tuition$10,787
Out-of-State Tuition$28,881
Acceptance Rate89%
Average SAT1204

Iowa State University vs. State and National Averages

Iowa State UniversityIA AverageNational Average
In-state tuition$10,787$23,680$18,082
vs. average—-54%-40%

Other colleges in Ames

CollegeTypeUndergraduatesTuition
PCI Academy-AmesPrivate for-profit176$14,988

Tuition shown is in-state tuition for schools that report one, otherwise the published tuition for the school's largest program. Source: College Scorecard.

Outcomes and student profile at Iowa State University

Median earnings 10 years after enrolling$63,386
Graduation rate (within 150% of normal time)75%
Median debt among graduates who borrowed$22,869
Undergraduates receiving Pell grants19%
Undergraduates aged 25 and over3%
First-generation students20%

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. Earnings and debt figures cover students who received federal financial aid.

FAQ

What is the tuition at Iowa State University?

In-state tuition at Iowa State University is $10,787 and out-of-state tuition is $28,881, according to College Scorecard data.

What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?

The acceptance rate at Iowa State University is 89%.

How hard is it to get into Iowa State University?

With an acceptance rate of 89%, Iowa State University is moderately selective among U.S. colleges.

What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?

The average SAT score for admitted students at Iowa State University is 1204.

How big is Iowa State University?

Iowa State University enrolls about 25,367 undergraduate students. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1.

Is Iowa State University expensive?

In-state tuition at Iowa State University is $10,787, which is 54% below the IA average of $23,680.

How much do graduates of Iowa State University earn?

Median earnings ten years after enrolling at Iowa State University are $63,386 a year, according to College Scorecard.

How much debt do students at Iowa State University take on?

The median debt among Iowa State University graduates who borrowed is $22,869, according to College Scorecard.