Ames, IA · Public · 4-year
Iowa State University has a 89.1% acceptance rate. Iowa State University is a public 4-year institution in Ames, IA, with a median SAT of 1250 and a median ACT of 24. The average net price is $18,589 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
89.1%
22,995 applicants
1250
Combined score
24
Composite score
$18,589
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Iowa State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | 1110 | 1250 | 1360 |
| ACT (composite, 1–36) | 21 | 24 | 28 |
75.4%
87.6%
$63,386
25,367
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Iowa State University:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $10,582 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $11,506 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $15,463 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $19,605 |
| $110,000+ | $22,496 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 1,234 |
| Business, Management & Marketing | 994 |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources | 626 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 354 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 267 |
| Computer & Information Sciences | 264 |
| Parks, Recreation & Fitness | 234 |
| Education | 213 |
| Psychology | 204 |
| Communication & Journalism | 180 |
Official website: https://www.iastate.edu/
Admissions: https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions
Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. it received about 22,995 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1250; the average net price is $18,589 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Iowa State University for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into Iowa State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 89% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1250. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Iowa State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at Iowa State University typically have a median SAT around 1250 and a median ACT around 24. With a 89% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at Iowa State University is $18,589 per year after grants and scholarships. about 89% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $10,718 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
Iowa State University has a graduation rate of 75%. its first-year retention rate is 88%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $63,386. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Iowa State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, Iowa State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1250. With a 89% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Iowa State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
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