Understanding Iowa State University's Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics
Iowa State University (ISU) is a well-known public research university. For prospective students, understanding the university's acceptance rate and admissions statistics is crucial for gauging their chances of admission. This article delves into the acceptance rate, GPA requirements, standardized test scores, and other factors influencing admission to Iowa State University.
Iowa State University: A Quick Overview
Iowa State University of Science and Technology presents a welcoming atmosphere to a diverse student body. As of Fall 2025, new first-year enrollment has seen a continuous increase for five years, reaching 6,160 students. The university attracts students from all 99 counties in Iowa, every state in the United States, and from 110 countries around the globe. Iowans comprise a significant portion of the student body, with 16,330 students from Iowa attending ISU, representing 52.5% of the total enrollment. A substantial number of students are enrolled in STEM majors (61%). More than 20% of Fall 2025 undergraduates are first-generation students.
Acceptance Rate: An Overview
Iowa State University is known for its relatively high acceptance rate. The acceptance rate at Iowa State University is 89.1%. In 2023, Iowa State University received 22,995 undergraduate applications. Out of those 22,995 applicants, 20,496 students were accepted for enrollment. This means that the university is not highly selective, offering a good chance of admission to many applicants.
GPA Requirements: What You Need to Know
The average GPA at Iowa State University is 3.75. This GPA suggests that successful applicants generally have a strong academic record, with a mix of A's and B's, with a leaning toward A's. Meeting this GPA requirement is crucial for a competitive application.
Standardized Test Scores: SAT and ACT
Iowa State University requires students to submit their ACT or SAT scores when filling out the application. Often, an ACT score of 21 - 29 or a 1,090 - 1,330 SAT score is the range that applicants have greater chances to be accepted. For students submitting SAT scores, aiming for a score within the 1130-1350 range can increase their chances of admission. A score of 1130 places you below average, while a 1350 will move you up to above average.
Read also: Iowa Universities
Factors Influencing Admission
While GPA and standardized test scores are important, Iowa State University considers various other factors in the admission process. These include:
- Coursework Difficulty: The rigor of your high school coursework is taken into account.
- Extracurricular Activities: Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates your interests and commitment outside of academics.
- Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors can highlight your strengths and potential.
- Personal Statements: A well-written personal statement provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and goals.
Enrollment Statistics: Diversity and Demographics
In 2023, Iowa State University had a total enrollment of 30,177 students. The full-time enrollment at Iowa State University is 27,309 students and the part-time enrollment is 2,868. This means that 90.5% of students enrolled at Iowa State University are enrolled full-time.
The enrolled student population at Iowa State University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 71.3% White, 6.68% Hispanic or Latino, 4.12% Asian, 2.82% Two or More Races, 2.56% Black or African American, 0.142% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0563% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
Costs and Financial Aid
Understanding the costs associated with attending Iowa State University is essential for prospective students. In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Iowa State University is $8,982, which is $22,022 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $17,354. The average yearly cost of room and board at Iowa State University was $9,358 in 2023.
Financial aid is available to help students cover these costs. In 2023, 73% of undergraduate students attending Iowa State University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 46% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.
Read also: The Story of UNI Panthers Football
Graduation and Retention Rates
Iowa State University demonstrates strong performance in student retention and graduation rates. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Iowa State University was 88%. In 2023, 51% of students graduating from Iowa State University completed their program within 100% "normal time". Comparatively, 76% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 77% within 200%.
Diversity in Degree Awards
In 2023, Iowa State University awarded 8,096 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. A notable aspect is the distribution by gender, with 47.6% of these degrees awarded to women and 52.4% to men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (6,042 degrees), 12.8 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (472 degrees).
Application Process and Deadlines
The application deadline at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is rolling. Students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission. The undergraduate application fee required by Iowa State University is $40.
Read also: UUI Tuition Costs
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