Iowa State University vs Upper Iowa University
Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA, and Upper Iowa University is a private university in Fayette, IA. Iowa State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 96% at Upper Iowa University. Iowa State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,589 a year against $20,942 at Upper Iowa University. About 75% of students graduate at Iowa State University, compared with 38% at Upper Iowa University. Ten years after enrolling, Iowa State University alumni earn a median of about $63,386, against $52,766 for Upper Iowa University.
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.
- Is Iowa State University or Upper Iowa University harder to get into?
- Iowa State University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 96% at Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa University?
- Iowa State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,942 at Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa University?
- Before aid, Iowa State University costs about $24,018 a year and Upper Iowa University about $34,022. 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 Upper Iowa University?
- Iowa State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,582 there, against about $17,715 at Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa University?
- Iowa State University is the larger of the two, with about 25,367 undergraduates against 1,994 at Upper Iowa University.
- Does Iowa State University or Upper Iowa University have a better graduation rate?
- Iowa State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 38% at Upper Iowa University.
- Do graduates of Iowa State University or Upper Iowa University earn more?
- Iowa State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,386 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,766 for Upper Iowa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Iowa State University and Upper Iowa University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Iowa State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Upper Iowa University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Iowa State University and Upper Iowa University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1360 at Iowa State University and 970–1160 at Upper Iowa University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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.