Chances of Getting Into Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa • Public University • #127 National • Founded 1858
Iowa State Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Iowa State SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a premier land-grant university with top-ranked engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs. With affordable tuition, strong job placement, and a beautiful campus in Ames, Iowa State offers exceptional value for STEM students.
Top Programs
What Makes Iowa State Unique
- Top engineering programs at public school prices
- National leader in agricultural sciences and sustainability
- Veterinary medicine school — one of the best in the nation
- Beautiful campus with public art collection
- VEISHEA tradition and strong school community
Iowa State Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Iowa State Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Iowa State: Admission Tips
Iowa State has high acceptance rate — most students are admitted
Focus on scholarship applications rather than admissions stress
Engineering and Vet Med are competitive within the university
Rolling admissions — apply early for best housing and scholarship
Merit scholarships for strong OOS students
The Brutal Truth About Iowa State Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 91% acceptance rate, Iowa State rejected over 1,620 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Iowa State, having a 3.45 GPA and 1215 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Iowa State doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Iowa State genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 91%-acceptance-rate basket.
Iowa State Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?
Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 91% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 18,000+ applicants, approximately 5,500 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Iowa State?
The average GPA of admitted students at Iowa State University is 3.45. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.30, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Iowa State?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Iowa State students is 1100-1330. The average SAT score is 1215. For ACT, the range is 22-28 with an average of 25.
Is Iowa State hard to get into?
Yes, Iowa State University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 91%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Iowa State cost?
Tuition at Iowa State University is $9,826 per year, with total cost of attendance at $22,400. However, 75% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $12,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Iowa State?
Your chances of getting into Iowa State University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 91% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Iowa State
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