California State University-Sacramento vs Iowa State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, California State University-Sacramento comes out ahead: 83/100 to 79/100, a 4-point edge over Iowa State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Sacramento runs $9,338 a year against $18,589 at Iowa State University - $9,251 more a year, or about $37,004 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, California State University-Sacramento graduates earn a median $64,876 against $63,386 at Iowa State University. The cost earns itself back in 5.9 years at California State University-Sacramento and 7.6 years at Iowa State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Sacramento owing a median $15,000 versus $22,869 at Iowa State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.36 and 0.52 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Universi... | Iowa State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,018 | $10,787 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,618 | $28,881 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,338 | $18,589 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,352 | $74,356 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,800 | $44,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,876 | $63,386 |
| Graduation Rate | 56.3% | 75.3% |
| Payback Period | 5.9 yr | 7.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $22,869 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $242 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.36 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.9% | 84.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.7% | 78.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 94.0% | 88.7% |
| Enrollment | 28,350 | 25,367 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Uni... | Iowa State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,501 | $10,582 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,001 | $11,506 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,212 | $15,463 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $11,814 | $19,605 |
| $110,001+ | $18,861 | $22,496 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Uni... | Iowa State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering | $114,594 | $100,676 |
| Computer Engineering | $104,394 | $105,753 |
| Computer Science | $92,519 | $104,211 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,512 | $99,705 |
| Civil Engineering | $93,973 | $85,427 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,878 | $85,938 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $82,062 | $52,622 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,636 | $78,304 |
| Economics | $70,290 | $75,355 |
| Chemistry | $74,430 | $66,486 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $73,418 | $65,204 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $67,795 | $51,387 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $66,885 | $63,026 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $62,583 | $61,166 |
| Mathematics | $59,162 | $62,261 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | Iowa State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 80 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 79 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 69 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 53 | 85 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 84 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 79 |
The Verdict
It's close. California State University-Sacramento edges out Iowa State University by 4 points (83 vs 79), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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California State University-Sacramento
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Iowa State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.