Can you get into Iowa State University?
Ames, IA · Public · 25,367 students Here is the class that got in, and where your numbers land inside it.
Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.
The admitted class · 2024
What it took to get in
Acceptance rate
88.7%
SAT middle 50%
1120–1360
median 1207
ACT middle 50%
21–28
median 25
Testing
optional
19% submitted an SAT
Graduation rate
75%
within six years
Reported by the college
What Iowa State University actually reads
Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It is the most useful thing they say about admissions and almost nobody reads it, because knowing that an essay is very important here and class rank is not considered changes where the work should go.
Very important
The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.
- Grades
- Course rigor
Considered
Looked at, but not decisive on its own.
- Class rank
- Test scores
Not considered
Reported as playing no part in the decision.
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Legacy
- Work experience
From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Iowa State University considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it does not ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set we use that instead.
Real cost · 2024 data
What families actually pay
The sticker price is $24,018, but almost nobody pays it. Average net price at Iowa State University by family income, after grants and scholarships:
- Under $30k$10,582
- $30k–$48k$11,506
- $48k–$75k$15,463
- $75k–$110k$19,605
- Over $110k$22,496
U.S. Department of Education data: average net price per year for aided first-time students. Your number depends on your family’s finances.
Keep going
More on Iowa State University
Harder to get into
Common questions
Iowa State University admissions, answered
What is Iowa State University's acceptance rate?
Iowa State University admits 88.7% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).
What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120 and 1360. A score above 1360 clears the 75th percentile; below 1120, the rest of the application has to carry more weight.
Is Iowa State University test-optional?
Yes, Iowa State University is currently test-optional. Submit a score if it falls inside or above the admitted middle 50%.
What does Iowa State University look for in an application?
Iowa State University reports that it weighs grades, course rigor most heavily. Anything it lists as not considered is worth knowing too, because effort spent there does not count here.
How much does Iowa State University actually cost?
Sticker price is $24,018, but the average family pays $18,589 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $10,582 per year on average.
What Spike does with this
Use the Iowa State University read in your plan.
Spike helps connect your numbers with courses, testing, essays, activities, and the rest of your college list.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.