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Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$53,873

Acceptance Rate

89%

Graduation Rate

75%

Annual Tuition

$10,497

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry — 17% above the national median. Acceptance rate 89.1%, average SAT score 1204, in-state tuition $10,497.

At a Glance

Total Students

25,033

Retention Rate

88%

Faculty Ratio

18

Financial Aid

46%

Median Debt

$22,869

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,204

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

560–670

SAT Math (middle 50%)

560–690

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

21–28

Institution Overview

Iowa State University is a public institution with a large student body of 25,033. The university has a high acceptance rate of 89.1% and a strong retention rate of 87.6%. Approximately 75% of students graduate. The in-state tuition is $10,497, and 45.9% of students receive financial aid.

Graduates of Iowa State University report strong earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $50,667. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $53,873, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $63,386. The median debt for graduates is $22,869.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$51k

1 YEAR

$54k

5 YEARS

$63k

10 YEARS

Top 24% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Iowa State University alumni earn a median salary of $50,667. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $53,873, and after ten years, the median salary is $63,386. The median debt for graduates is $22,869.

Iowa State University has an 89.1% acceptance rate and a 75% graduation rate. The university retains 87.6% of its students. 45.9% of students receive financial aid. The in-state tuition is $10,497.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 429 / yr
Median Salary $98,551

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 366 / yr
Median Salary $94,720

Computer Engineering

Graduates 363 / yr
Median Salary $79,182

Marketing

Graduates 328 / yr
Median Salary $48,304

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduates 287 / yr
Median Salary $60,397

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 273 / yr
Median Salary $56,974

Design and Applied Arts

Graduates 252 / yr
Median Salary $37,565

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 247 / yr
Median Salary $36,492

Animal Sciences

Graduates 245 / yr
Median Salary $39,567

Agricultural Business and Management

Graduates 230 / yr
Median Salary $53,967

Biology, General

Graduates 225 / yr
Median Salary $32,528

Psychology, General

Graduates 222 / yr
Median Salary $34,155

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services

Graduates 219 / yr
Median Salary $33,958

Civil Engineering

Graduates 210 / yr
Median Salary $79,509

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 202 / yr
Median Salary $45,512

Plant Sciences

Graduates 197 / yr
Median Salary $73,707

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 188 / yr
Median Salary $64,654

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Graduates 170 / yr
Median Salary $75,036

Industrial Engineering

Graduates 158 / yr
Median Salary $114,122

Chemical Engineering

Graduates 150 / yr
Median Salary $76,184

Hospitality Administration/Management

Graduates 145 / yr
Median Salary $36,743

Veterinary Medicine

Graduates 138 / yr
Median Salary $96,477

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Graduates 130 / yr
Median Salary $42,530

Criminal Justice and Corrections

Graduates 127 / yr
Median Salary $41,624

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Campus Location

Ames, Iowa

Ames, IA 50011-2103

Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa. The campus is in a city setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89.1%.