Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa · Public · 88.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 79/100 · Strong Value
Iowa State University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,787/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,881/yr |
| Average net price | $18,589/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $74,356 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,386 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $44,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,869 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $242 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 75.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 25,367 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,582 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,506 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,463 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,605 |
| $110,001+ | $22,496 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Iowa State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $85,938 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $78,304 | B |
| Marketing | $66,482 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,059 | C |
| Psychology | $49,286 | C |
| Computer Engineering | $105,753 | B+ |
| Animal Sciences | $51,644 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $47,462 | C+ |
| Design and Applied Arts | $52,671 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,360 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Iowa State University is $10,787/year ($28,881/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $18,589/year, or roughly $74,356 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,582/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,496/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,869 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $242 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $63,386 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 84.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 83.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 560-690 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 560-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-28 |
| Enrollment | 25,367 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,702 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University (this school) | 79 | $18,589 | $63,386 |
| George Mason University | 86 | $17,915 | $76,343 |
| University of Utah | 84 | $16,200 | $67,170 |
| California State University-Los Angeles | 80 | $3,967 | $59,211 |
| University of Iowa | 76 | $22,531 | $64,762 |
| University of Northern Iowa | 69 | $15,901 | $55,177 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Iowa State University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $18,589 per year ($74,356 over four years), graduates earn a median of $63,386 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.6 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 75.3% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $22,869 against $63,386 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.