Skip to content

Iowa State University vs Maharishi International University

Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA, and Maharishi International University is a private university in Fairfield, IA. Iowa State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 96% at Maharishi International University. Maharishi International University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,956 a year against $18,589 at Iowa State University. About 75% of students graduate at Iowa State University, compared with 34% at Maharishi International University. Ten years after enrolling, Iowa State University alumni earn a median of about $63,386, against $27,981 for Maharishi International University.

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

Maharishi International University

Fairfield, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Ames, IA
Fairfield, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
25,367
922
Acceptance rate
89%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.76 avg
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1360
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,589
$14,956
Full cost / yr
$24,018
$27,892
In-state tuition
$10,787
$16,530
Out-of-state tuition
$28,881
$16,530
Application fee
$40
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,582
$14,269
$30k - $48k
$11,506
$16,585
$48k - $75k
$15,463
$14,066
$75k - $110k
$19,605
$18,954
Over $110k
$22,496
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
34%
Freshman retention
88%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,873
$26,468
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,386
$27,981
Median debt at graduation
$22,869
$24,781
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
57%
First-generation students
20%
34%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa State University or Maharishi International University harder to get into?
Iowa State University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 96% at Maharishi International University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Iowa State University or Maharishi International University?
Maharishi International University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,956 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,589 at Iowa State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Iowa State University and Maharishi International University?
Before aid, Iowa State University costs about $24,018 a year and Maharishi International University about $27,892. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Iowa State University or Maharishi International University?
Iowa State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,582 there, against about $14,269 at Maharishi International University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Iowa State University or Maharishi International University?
Iowa State University is the larger of the two, with about 25,367 undergraduates against 922 at Maharishi International University.
Does Iowa State University or Maharishi International University have a better graduation rate?
Iowa State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 34% at Maharishi International University.
Do graduates of Iowa State University or Maharishi International University earn more?
Iowa State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,386 ten years after enrolling, against about $27,981 for Maharishi International University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Iowa State University and Maharishi International University require SAT or ACT scores?
Iowa State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Maharishi International University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school