What is Iowa State University's acceptance rate?

Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

How much does Iowa State University cost?

At Iowa State University, the average net price after aid is about $18,589 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $24,018 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Iowa State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1360 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT.

What GPA do you need for Iowa State University?

Admitted students typically have a GPA of about 3.76 on a 4.0 scale.

What are Iowa State University's application deadlines?

Iowa State University's deadline is Regular Decision around Rolling. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.

What does Iowa State University value most in applicants?

In its most recent Common Data Set, Iowa State University rates Course rigor and Grades (GPA) as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Test scores. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

Photo: Wikipedia

Iowa State University

Ames, IA·Public·~89% acceptance

Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA. Admissions are accessible, with about 89% of applicants accepted. Students pay an average net price of about $18,589 per year after financial aid. About 75% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $63,386 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost

$18,589/yr avg net price after aid

Full cost ~~$24,018~~

Aid cuts ~$5,429/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines

—

Rolling

Verified source · Aug 2026

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Your fit

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Admissions

GPA range~3.76 avg

SAT (middle 50%)1120–1360

ACT (middle 50%)21–28

Test policyTest optional

Programs

Computer Science

Data Science / Statistics

Information Systems / IT

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Environmental Science

Outcomes

75%

graduation rate

88%

freshman retention

$53,873

median earnings, 6yr

$63,386

median earnings, 10yr

How Iowa State reads an application

What Iowa State values

Very important

Course rigorGrades (GPA)

Important

Test scores

Also considered

Class rankApplication essaysRecommendationsInterviewExtracurricularsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualitiesGeographic residenceState residencyVolunteer workWork experience

From Iowa State’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Iowa State requires

Required

Grades (GPA)Course rigorCollege-prep programTOEFL / English proficiency

Considered

Class rankTest scores

From federal IPEDS data — what Iowa State requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions

What is Iowa State University's acceptance rate?: Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
How much does Iowa State University cost?: At Iowa State University, the average net price after aid is about $18,589 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $24,018 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Iowa State University?: The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1360 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT.
What GPA do you need for Iowa State University?: Admitted students typically have a GPA of about 3.76 on a 4.0 scale.
What are Iowa State University's application deadlines?: Iowa State University's deadline is Regular Decision around Rolling. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Iowa State University value most in applicants?: In its most recent Common Data Set, Iowa State University rates Course rigor and Grades (GPA) as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Test scores. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Iowa State University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Iowa State University, side by side with your other schools.

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