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Iowa State University vs University of Iowa

Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA. University of Iowa is a public university in Iowa City, IA. University of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants and Iowa State University about 89%, making University of Iowa the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,589 a year at Iowa State University after aid, and about $22,531 at University of Iowa. About 75% of students graduate at Iowa State University, compared with 74% at University of Iowa. Ten years after enrolling, University of Iowa alumni earn a median of about $64,762, against $63,386 for Iowa State University.

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ames, IA
Iowa City, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
25,367
22,264
Acceptance rate
89%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.76 avg
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1360
1130–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,589
$22,531
Full cost / yr
$24,018
$28,596
In-state tuition
$10,787
$11,283
Out-of-state tuition
$28,881
$33,371
Application fee
$40
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,582
$15,316
$30k - $48k
$11,506
$15,489
$48k - $75k
$15,463
$19,930
$75k - $110k
$19,605
$23,811
Over $110k
$22,496
$26,266
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
74%
Freshman retention
88%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,873
$52,696
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,386
$64,762
Median debt at graduation
$22,869
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
18%
First-generation students
20%
22%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 University of Iowa harder to get into?
University of Iowa is harder to get into. It admits about 84% of applicants, compared with 89% 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.
Which is cheaper, Iowa State University or University of Iowa?
Iowa State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,531 at University of Iowa. 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 University of Iowa?
Before aid, Iowa State University costs about $24,018 a year and University of Iowa about $28,596. 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 University of Iowa?
Iowa State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,582 there, against about $15,316 at University of Iowa. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Iowa State University or University of Iowa?
Iowa State University is the larger of the two, with about 25,367 undergraduates against 22,264 at University of Iowa.
Does Iowa State University or University of Iowa have a better graduation rate?
Iowa State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 74% at University of Iowa.
Do graduates of Iowa State University or University of Iowa earn more?
University of Iowa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,762 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,386 for Iowa State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Iowa State University and University of Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
Iowa State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Iowa considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Iowa State University and University of Iowa look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1360 at Iowa State University and 1130–1330 at University of Iowa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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