Iowa State University Ranking

Iowa State University ranks #122 in National Universities as per US News and World Report. Some other rankings of Iowa State University are as follows: 

• #401-500 in World University Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education
• #219 in US College rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education
• #100-200 in Impact Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education
• #481 in QS World University Rankings 2023
• #191-200 in US Universities by QS World University Rankings, 2022
• #301-500 in Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022
• #107 in Best Value Schools as per US News and World Report

Subject-Wise Ranking Comparison

The table below also provides a subject-wise ranking comparison of Iowa State University and University of Iowa: 

Iowa State University Programs

Iowa State University offers over 100 undergraduate, 125 graduate, 80+ doctoral degree courses. The university also offers pre-professional programs. This enables students to prepare for medical and professional schools such as Law. There are study abroad programs in 50 countries.

The programs at Iowa State University are offered through six colleges:

Of all the courses, Iowa State University is well-known for its Veterinary Science program. The College of Veterinary Medicine offers several study options for students from research to specialized or general practice. Some other top courses at Iowa State University and their fees is mentioned below:

Iowa State University Campus

As per the book ‘The Campus as a Work of Art’, the Iowa State University campus has been rated as one of America’s 25 most beautiful campuses. The campus has over 600 public works of art. Some of the key attractions of Iowa State University campus and student life on campus are as follows:

• Reiman Gardens, located in Iowa State, has been named the best public rose garden in the US. 
• There are 3 renowned museums, public collections of sculptures, libraries, the largest Grant Wood murals in the nation, and golf course.
• The university has over 800 student organizations and 40 sports clubs representing the diverse interests of the students. This ranges from politics, religion, academics, music and performing arts and sports and recreation. 
• Students get opportunity to participate in 100+ recreational spaces on campus. The university also offers fitness classes and intramural sports.
• University campus offers one main Park library, a Veterinary Medicine Library, and an e-library. Along with that, there are 2 subject-oriented reading and writing rooms for mathematics and design students.

Iowa State University Accommodation

On-campus accommodation facilities are available for all students at Iowa State University. There are 22 halls available across 4 campus wings. Undergraduate students can choose to stay in any of the residence halls. For graduate students, accommodations options are limited to 3 residences- Wallace Hall, Frederiksen Court and SUV.

• More than 10,000 incoming undergraduate students opt for on-campus housing facilities.
• Iowa State University housing offers restaurant-like dining options to in-house students.
• Around 50% of on-campus staying students return for accommodations in the next academic year.

The accommodation rates for the current academic session are as follows:

Off-Campus Housing: The university helps students seeking off-campus and private accommodations. Students can ask the administration office for private owned house listings and reliable sources. 

Iowa State University Application Process

Iowa State University follows a rolling admissions process. Undergraduate admissions for the fall semester commence on July 1 of the preceding year. In case of graduate admissions, candidates are required to submit a pre-application. The pre-application must be approved before submitting the final application. 

Application Portal: Online
Application fee: 50 USD (UG)/ 100 USD (PG)

Undergraduate Admission Requirements: 

• Higher Secondary School Certificate or it's equivalent
• Minimum equivalent GPA of B or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (around 80%)
• Final official academic transcripts
• ACT/SAT scores
  • Minimum SAT combined score: 1200
  • Minimum ACT composite score: 25
• Minimum TOEFL score: 71
• Financial statements showing a minimum $42,000 USD
• Copy of passport

Note: Iowa State University is test-optional. International students are not required to submit ACT/SAT for admission to ISU.

Graduate Admission Requirements:

• Completed online graduate application form
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• Unofficial academic transcripts
• English Proficiency test scores
  • Min. TOEFL-PBT score of 550
  • Min. TOEFL-iBT score of 79
  • Min. IELTS score of 6.5
• Statement of Purpose for USA
• Resume/CV
• Letters of Recommendation
• Writing Samples/Publications/Portfolio (if required by the program)

Iowa State University Cost of Attendance

The table below provides an average cost of attendance for undergraduate and graduate programs for the academic year 2022-2023: 

Check: Cost of living is USA

Iowa State University Scholarships

Iowa State University offers a range of scholarships for international students in the USA. These are as follows: 

Work While you Study

Students on F-1 visas are allowed to work either on-campus or off-campus while studying at Iowa State University. They can work for a maximum limit of 20 hours per week when school is in session. This restriction stands void during vacation. Students can find suitable jobs by logging on to Access Plus, operated by Student Job Board which is provided by the Student Employment Center (SEC).

On-Campus

Students can earn more than minimum wage by working on the campus itself. They will also be able to save on transportation and/or fuel costs. They will also be able to maintain flexible working hours during a school term.

Off-Campus

Students can work off-campus at locations in Ames and surrounding communities and such jobs may consist of childcare, housekeeping, tutoring, food service, cashier and sales clerk positions. Check: part-time jobs in USA

Iowa State University Alumni

The Alumni Association aims at facilitating a lifetime connection among alumni, students, and friends of Iowa State University. This association conducts various programs for lifting the voices of Cyclones, supporting lifelong learning, nurturing the next generation of leaders, and bringing cyclones together. 

Notable Alumni:

• Sawsan Al-Sharifi- former Iraqi Minister of Agriculture
• Clayton Anderson- NASA astronaut
• John Vincent Atanasoff- inventor of the electronic digital computer
• Michael J. Dubes- retired president, Conseco Insurance Group

Iowa State University Placements

At Iowa State University, 82% of students with a bachelor’s degree were employed full-time or pursuing further studies within 6 months of graduation. Around 85% of master’s students also accepted full-time job offers within 6 months of graduation.

Career Services at Iowa State University offers an array of services for both undergraduate and graduate students. This includes the following:

• Career Coaching
• Career Library
• A Personal Career Development course
• Major Career Fair such as Engineering Career Fair, Business, Industry and Technology Fair and Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Fair Day.

Different departments and schools at Iowa State University also have their own Career Services Offices. This includes Graduate College Career Services, Engineering Career Services, Business Career Services and Graduate Business/MBA Career Services.

At Iowa State University, students also have the opportunity to work with award-winning faculty and staff mentors who are on the cutting edge of discovery and creativity, gaining invaluable experience and skills. 

Undergraduate programs offered at Iowa State are rooted in research. A variety of research experiences from hands-on work, to scholarly endeavours, to artistic expression and more – provide students with a better understanding of their fields of study.