About

University Type

Public

University Type

US News National rank

121

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$48,250

Average Living Expenses

Iowa State University (ISU) is a public research university in Ames, Iowa. Founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, ISU is the oldest land-grant university in the state. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture, engineering, science, business, and the arts.

ISU is known for its strong academics, particularly in the areas of engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The university's College of Engineering is ranked among the top 10 public engineering schools in the United States, and its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is among the top 10 public agriculture schools. ISU's veterinary medicine school is the oldest in the state and one of the oldest in the country.

In addition to its strong academics, ISU is known for its vibrant campus life. The university has over 400 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, sports clubs, and academic honor societies. ISU is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Reiman Center for the Arts, the Iowa State Center for the Performing Arts, and the Ames Public Library.

What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University acceptance rate is 91.1% and The acceptance rate for international students at Iowa State University is 92%.

What is the Annual Tuition fee at Iowa State University?

The tuition fees for international students at Iowa State University vary depending on the student's program and level of study. For undergraduate students, tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows:

  • Most majors: $13,084 per year
  • Sophomore business: $13,680 per year
  • Agricultural Systems Technology: $6,006 per year
  • Engineering: $14,600 per year
  • Industrial Technology: $6,006 per year

For graduate students, tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows:

  • All programs: $29,303 per year

In addition to tuition fees, international students must also pay a number of other fees, including:

  • International student fee: $750 per year
  • Health insurance fee: $2,992 per year
  • Student activity fee: $176 per year

The total cost of attendance for international students at Iowa State University can vary depending on a number of factors, including the student's program of study, living arrangements, and personal expenses. However, the average cost of attendance for international students is estimated to be around $48,640 per year.

Iowa State University is ranked 401-500 in the world by Times Higher Education and 263 worldwide by U.S. News & World Report.

Top Reasons to Study in the Iowa State University

  • Strong academics: Iowa State University is a public research university with a solid academic reputation. The university is ranked among the top public universities in the United States, and its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs are particularly well-regarded.
  • A diverse range of programs: Iowa State University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, so students can find a program that fits their interests and career goals. The university also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs that allow students to combine their interests in different fields.
  • Vibrant campus life: Iowa State University has a vibrant campus life with over 400 student organizations, various cultural attractions, and a solid athletic program. Students can find opportunities to get involved in everything from sports to student government to Greek life.
  • Substantial research opportunities: Iowa State University is a major research university with over $700 million in yearly expenditures. Students can conduct research with world-renowned faculty and collaborate with other students on cutting-edge projects.
  • Affordable tuition: Iowa State University is a public university, so tuition is relatively affordable. The university also offers several financial aid opportunities to help students pay for their education.

Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!

0%

Courses

Cost of Studying at Iowa State University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

Get Full Coverage at 0 Cost

Just fill in your preferences and reach the best loan offer with Loan Finder

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount approved

100% Free

Assistance for loan

Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$45,770

Average living expenses (Masters)

$48,250

Admissions at The Iowa State University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

91%

Application Fee

$50 - $100

How to Apply at Iowa State University

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

 

  • Application: Complete the Common Application on the website (https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/instructions)
  • The application fee is $65 for undergraduates and $100 for graduates.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT 
    • English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic
    • Personal statement/Essay writing
    • Two letters of teacher/counselor recommendation
    • International Financial Aid Statement of Intent
    • Translation of documents

 

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

 

  • Application: Complete the Common Application on the website (https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/instructions)
  • The application fee is $65 for undergraduates and $100 for graduates.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Completed fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) at the time of the application
    • Optional Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT
    • English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic
    • Personal statement/essay writing
    • Transfer Report Form
    • Two letters of teacher/counselor recommendation
    • Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to Iowa State University

Undergraduate Students

 

  • Complete the Common Application on the website (https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/instructions)
  • Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
  • SAT/ACT scores (Optional)
  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic English test scores
  • Personal statement/Essay writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Financial documentation
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa

 

Graduate Students

 

  • Complete the Common Application on the website (https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/instructions)
  • Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic English test scores
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume/Portfolio
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • Relevant work experience

 

PhD/Scholar Students

 

  • Complete the Common Application on the website (https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/instructions)
  • Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic English test scores
  • Personal statement essay writing
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • Relevant work experience

 

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation

Exams Accepted By Iowa State University

Undergraduate Students

 

  • Entrance Tests: SAT (scored on a scale of 400 to 1600), ACT (scored on a scale of 1 to 36).
  • English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic English test scores.

 

Graduate Students

 

  • Entrance Tests: GRE (scored on a scale of 260 to 340), GMAT (scored on a scale of 200 to 800).
  • English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic English test scores.

 

Ph.D. Students

 

  • Entrance Tests: GRE (scored on a scale of 260 to 340), GMAT (scored on a scale of 200 to 800).
  • English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic English test scores

⏱️ Find Your Perfect College Match in 30 Seconds

Just pick your degree - we’ll handle the rest. Instant shortlist, no guesswork.

community-students-image Trusted by 120K+ users

Which degree do you want to study?

I want to do
Bachelors

I want to do
Masters/MBA

info-icon

Select one of the options to get started

Rankings for The Iowa State University

US News Ranking

#121

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#401-500

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#470

QS World University Rankings

More rankings for this university

View More Rankings

Students Iowa State University

1,385

Yocketers applied

View Details

745

Yocketers admitted

View Details

5,604

Yocketers interested

View Details

Secure your seat!

A whopping 8 of every 10 Premium Yocketers are successful in getting an admit!

Premium Yocketer profiles

Prasad Pawar

Prasad Pawar

Mechanical Engineering

Fall 2025

Suriya Balaji B

Suriya Balaji B

Artificial Intelligence

Fall 2025

Awdesh Fernando E

Awdesh Fernando E

Electrical Engineering

Fall 2025

Kaveiya Priya S

Kaveiya Priya S

Engineering Management

Fall 2025

View All Profiles

International Students

% of international students in the university

8.2

Total International Students in the university

2443

Alumni at Iowa State University

  • George Washington Carver (1864-1943), agricultural scientist and inventor
  • Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965), Vice President of the United States (1941-1945), Secretary of Agriculture (1933-1940), and Secretary of Commerce (1945-1946)
  • Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947), founder of the League of Women Voters
  • Clayton Anderson (born 1959), NASA astronaut
  • Dan Gable (born 1948), Olympic gold medalist wrestler and wrestling coach
  • Kevin Jackson (born 1965), Olympic gold medalist wrestler
  • Ben Peterson (born 1951), Olympic gold and silver medalist wrestler
  • Nawal El Moutawakel (born 1962), first African woman and first Muslim woman to win an Olympic gold medal
  • Firouz Naderi (born 1946), NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory director
  • Sadanand Joshi (born 1947), president of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Premium Counselling

The Architects behind countless Study Abroad Success Stories!

We have a team of 60+ experienced Ivy League counsellors ready to help you!

Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

Shreya Pradeep
Shreya Pradeep

a year ago

Confused between ISU and University of Michigan -Dearborn for masters in HCI as an international student from India
Kavitha Reddy
Kavitha Reddy

2 years ago

Is isu is good unv?
Harshavardhan Sagiri
Harshavardhan Sagiri

3 years ago

Agriscience course comes under stem or non stem
Hello, I applied to Agriculture-Agriscience program but I am confusd whether it's a Stem or Non stem course, Could any one clarify me on this. #isu #agriculture

Reviews for Iowa State University

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Iowa

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

The city of Ames, Iowa, where Iowa State University is located, has a public transportation system called CyRide. CyRide operates 13 fixed routes, a Dial-A-Ride service for persons with a disability, and a late-night service called Moonlight Express.

 

CyRide buses are free for students, faculty, and staff with valid ISU IDs. The buses also offer a reduced fare for seniors and people with disabilities.

 

CyRide buses run from early morning until late at night, making getting around Ames without a car easy. The buses also stop at many of the major attractions in Ames, such as the Iowa State Center, the Scheman Building, and the Reiman Gardens.

 

Some links to the CyRide website and schedule:

 

  • CyRide website: https://www.cyride.com/
  • CyRide schedule: https://www.cyride.com/schedules/

Services offered by the university

  • Academic support: ISU offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, writing centers, and math labs. These services are available to all students, regardless of their academic level.
  • Financial aid: ISU offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The university also has a financial aid office that can help students apply for financial aid and understand their options.
  • Health services: ISU has a student health center that provides a variety of health services, such as primary care, mental health counseling, and women's health services. The health center is also home to a pharmacy and a laboratory.
  • Housing and dining: ISU offers a variety of housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and houses. The university also has a dining hall that provides three meals a day and a variety of other dining options on campus.
  • Recreation and athletics: ISU has a variety of recreation and athletics facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and intramural fields. The university also has a Division I athletics program that competes in the Big 12 Conference.
  • Visa and immigration assistance: ISU's International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) can help international students with visa and immigration paperwork. The ISSO also hosts workshops and events to help international students understand their visa and immigration status.

Student life at Iowa State University

There are many opportunities for students to get involved in clubs and organizations, participate in intramural sports, attend concerts and sporting events, and explore the city of Ames. 

 

Here are a few of the many student life organizations at Iowa State:

 

  • Greek life: Iowa State has a large and active Greek community, with over 30 fraternities and sororities.
  • Student government: The Iowa State Student Government is the student body's elected representative. They work to advocate for student interests and provide funding for student organizations.
  • Recreation and intramural sports: Iowa State has a variety of recreation and intramural sports options for students, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and flag football.
  • Arts and culture: Iowa State has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and music venues.
  • Nightlife: Ames has various bars and clubs catering to college students.

 

Iowa State also hosts a variety of annual events, such as:

 

  • Cyclones football game: The Iowa State Cyclones football team plays their home games at Jack Trice Stadium.
  • Veterans Day Parade: The Iowa State Veterans Day Parade is an annual event that honors veterans and their families.
  • Iowa State Fair: The Iowa State Fair is the largest agricultural fair in the Midwest. It features livestock shows, food competitions, and concerts.

On-Campus Accommodation

On campus accomodation at Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers on-campus accommodation options for students, providing a convenient and vibrant living experience. The on-campus housing facilities offer various room types to cater to students' preferences and needs. Here is some information about on-campus accommodation at Iowa State University:

  • Room Types: The on-campus housing options include single rooms, double rooms, suite-style rooms, and apartment-style rooms. Students can choose the type of room that suits their preferences and budget.
  • Amenities: The on-campus housing facilities are well-equipped with amenities such as study areas, common lounges, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi connectivity. These amenities enhance the living experience and provide a conducive environment for academic and personal growth.
  • Weekly Charges: The weekly charges for on-campus accommodation vary based on the type of room and facilities provided. It is recommended to check the official Iowa State University website or contact the housing department for the most up-to-date information on pricing.

Read More

Faculty Information

Jobs and Opportunities

FAQ