Quick Summary
Iowa State University, in Ames, United States, is a public land-grant research university that has shaped higher education since 1858. Ranked #490 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 30177 students including 8.5% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Veterinary Science, Mechanical Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 90%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Known for a high return on investment, world-class research infrastructure, and a friendly, park-like campus environment.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryVeterinary ScienceMechanical EngineeringStatisticsChemical Engineering
Founded1858
TypePublic Land-grant Research University
Total Students30177
Intl Students8.5%
Faculty Ratio19:1
CampusResidential/Suburban
Campus Size1,900 acres
Affiliated HospitalsIowa State University Veterinary Medical Center
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#490
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor,Master,PhD,Professional (DVM)
Programs
80
PhD Programs
60
Online Programs
Ames National Laboratory,Bioeconomy Institute,Virtual Reality Applications Center,Center for Nondestructive Evaluation
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate90%
IELTS6
TOEFL71
Min GPA3
GRERequired for some graduate programs
GMATRequired for MBA programs
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on strong high school preparation in math and science. Early applications are prioritized for scholarships like the Presidential and Generational awards.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$29,600/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$13,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$28,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$43,150/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$5,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor,Master,PhD,Professional (DVM) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Animal Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Marketing | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Aerospace Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$62,500
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; home to one of the largest career fairs in the United States.
Industry Connections
John DeereBoeingRockwell CollinsPrincipal Financial GroupCorteva Agriscience
Notable Alumni
George Washington Carver,Carrie Chapman Catt,Bruce Roth,Henry A. Wallace
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Jack Trice Stadium,Hilton Coliseum,Lied Recreation Athletic Center
Student Clubs
800
Library Resources
Parks Library,Design Reading Room,Veterinary Medical Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available