Iowa State University Admission
Application Fee
$40
Graduate Application Fee
$60
Acceptance Rate
89.13%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
28.59%
Freshmen Enrollment
5,728
SAT Scores
1,240
For the 2022-2023 admission, a total of 21,919 students have applied and 19,776 students have allowed to admit to Iowa State University (Acceptance rate: 90.22%). ISU's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 28.96 % where 5,728 students have finally enrolled out of 19,776 admitted students.
ISU acceptance rate is higher (easier to admit) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in Iowa. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as University of South Dakota and University of Louisville, its acceptance rate is slightly higher than the average (relatively easy to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 80.49%).
ISU enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in Iowa. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 26.11%).
How to Apply to Iowa State University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply ISU. ISU offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions |
|---|---|
| Online Application | https://apps.admissions.iastate.edu/myaccount/ |
| Financial Aid | https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/ |
| Net Price Calculator | https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/getting-started/cost/net-price-calculator/ |
| Veterans Tuition | https://masc.dso.iastate.edu/students |
| Athletic | https://www.iastate.edu/consumer-information |
| Disability Service | https://sas.dso.iastate.edu/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at ISU and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2023, the average SAT score at Iowa State University is 1,240 and the average ACT score is 24. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Iowa State University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,158). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | 1,240 | 24 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,158 | 25 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges | 1,112 | 67 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges in Iowa | 1,189 | 72 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Iowa State University, 1,060 students submitted SAT scores (19% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,240 and it is around average than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in Iowa. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 540 | 600 | 660 |
| Mathematics | 550 | 620 | 690 |
| Total | 1,090 | 1,220 | 1,350 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: December 11, 2023)
At Iowa State University, 3,266 students submitted ACT scores (57% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 24 and it is lower than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in Iowa. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 21 | 24 | 28 |
| English | 19 | 23 | 27 |
| Mathematics | 19 | 24 | 27 |
ISU Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Iowa State University. The school requires 4 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
2 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school rank, and Admission test scores.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Not Considered |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Not Considered |
| Legacy status | Not Considered |