Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa · Public · 88.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 79/100 · Strong Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
Iowa State University scores 79 (Strong Value) on the CampusROI scale, a mark built on in-state tuition of $10,787, a 75.3% completion rate, and a deep STEM and engineering program mix that drives strong earnings. Average 6-year earnings of $44,000 rising to a median $63,386 at 10 years, with a 7.6-year payback period, represent solid value for a public research university. The engineering programs are the standout: Electrical Engineering (112 graduates) earns $84,913 at year one and $99,705 at year four; Computer Engineering (243 graduates) earns $79,182 at year one and $105,753 at year four. ISU's land-grant mission also produces strong agricultural programs - Agricultural Business and Management (177 graduates) earns $53,967 year-one with a B+ ROI grade - reflecting the institution's deep ties to Iowa's agricultural economy. Business programs are solid: Finance (212 graduates) and Business Administration (345 graduates) earn $56,974 and $57,188 at year one respectively.
Iowa State University scores in the top 14% of the schools we score, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
Iowa State University
Quick 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 |
| Average 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).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $10,787/year ($28,881/year out-of-state), which covers tuition and fees only. The net price counts books, supplies, and average living costs on top of tuition and fees, then subtracts grants and scholarships. For the average student here it comes to $18,589/year, or roughly $74,356 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $10,582/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,496/year.
Among graduates who borrowed, the median federal loan debt from this school is $22,869, which works out to about $242 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Our debt-to-earnings ratio divides that debt by average earnings six years after entry ($44,000) and comes to 0.52, under 1.0, meaning median debt is less than a full year of those earnings.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $10,582 net per year at Iowa State - essentially equal to in-state tuition, meaning aid at this income level offsets most non-tuition costs. Four-year cost of roughly $42,000 against a 7.6-year payback period is a strong deal for low-income students who complete. The 75.3% completion rate and 84.5% repayment rate indicate most graduates do finish and manage their debt.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $15,463 per year, and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $19,605. Middle-income families get a strong deal on STEM programs; the calculus is tighter for lower-earning majors. Business, finance, and agriculture programs remain defensible at $62,000-$78,000 in total costs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000 or more pay $22,496 net per year - slightly above in-state tuition, suggesting minimal grant aid at this income level. Four-year costs near $90,000 are competitive with regional private colleges and far below flagship out-of-state rates. For engineering and technical students, Iowa State at full in-state cost versus a private alternative at $50,000+ per year is generally an easy financial decision.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering (243 graduates) is Iowa State's highest-paying program relative to volume: $79,182 at year one and $105,753 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.307 (ROI grade B+). ISU's computer engineering program feeds into tech, defense, and semiconductor companies with strong recruiting presence in the Midwest and nationally.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering (112 graduates) earns $84,913 at year one and $99,705 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.318 (ROI grade B+). Year-one earnings of nearly $85,000 represent an exceptional return on Iowa State's in-state tuition. EE graduates enter a labor market that includes Iowa's utility infrastructure, national defense contractors, and a growing Midwest semiconductor and manufacturing presence.
Mechanical Engineering
The breadth of employers recruiting ISU mechanical engineers - from John Deere and aerospace firms to energy and manufacturing companies - creates robust employment. The B+ grade on a public-university in-state tuition base is a compelling outcome.
Agricultural Business and Management
Agricultural Business and Management (177 graduates) earns $53,967 at year one and $67,529 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.314 (ROI grade B+). Iowa State's land-grant identity and proximity to Iowa's agricultural economy make this program particularly relevant: agribusiness, commodity trading, farm management, and food company careers are direct outputs. Median debt of $16,972 is notably low, making the B+ grade even more favorable in practical terms.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (345 graduates) earns $57,188 at year one and $78,304 at year four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.389 (ROI grade B). At Iowa State's in-state tuition, business is a solid value: $57,000 starting earnings against roughly $75,000 in four-year costs is a defensible investment. The Pappajohn College of Business is a well-regarded program in the Midwest with strong regional recruiting ties.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Median of schools we score |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.6% | 68.8% |
| 3-year repayment | 84.5% | 73.6% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.7% | 67.7% |
| 7-year repayment | 83.3% | 72.8% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How Iowa State University’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
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 |
Iowa State's 88.7% acceptance rate makes it broadly accessible. SAT and ACT ranges describe a wide band - ACT 21-28 - meaning students in the middle of this range are routinely admitted. The practical selectivity is at the college level: Engineering programs are competitive within the university and may require higher scores and prerequisites. Out-of-state tuition is $28,881, which changes the financial calculus significantly for non-Iowa students; the ROI case is strongest for in-state enrollees.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Completion rate of 75.3% is solid.
| 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 |
Head-to-Head ROI Comparisons
See Iowa State University side by side with similar schools on ROI, cost, earnings, and debt.
Who Thrives Here
Iowa State admits 88.7% of applicants, with SAT mid-ranges of 560-690 Math and 560-670 Reading, and ACT composite 21-28. Enrollment is 25,367, making it a large research university. Pell rate of 18.8% is moderate. Iowa State attracts students oriented toward engineering, agriculture, business, and applied sciences - the program mix skews toward fields with clear career pathways. Students who plan early on their major and engage career services will extract the most value from ISU's size and resources.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
For most students, Iowa State University pays off. You'd pay about $18,589 a year after aid ($74,356 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $63,386 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback - the time it takes for the earnings bump to cover what you spent - at roughly 7.6 years, a solid return.
What it has going for it: a strong earnings premium over high school graduates, its 75.3% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $22,869 among graduates who borrowed, against average earnings of $44,000 six years after entry, gives a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, under the 1.0 point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings. Your major matters a lot here: graduates in higher-earning fields will see the better end of this.
Iowa State University: Common Questions
Is Iowa State University worth it?
In our view, yes - for most students Iowa State University pays off. It scores 79/100 on our ROI scale. You'd pay about $18,589 a year after aid ($74,356 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $63,386 ten years after enrollment, so the cost takes roughly 7.6 years to earn back.
How much does Iowa State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price - the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies and average living costs) minus grants and scholarships, for full-time, first-time students receiving federal aid - is about $18,589 a year, or roughly $74,356 over four years. Because it counts living costs, it can run above tuition alone. That is the number to plan around. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do Iowa State University graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $63,386 ten years after enrolling, roughly $21,586 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off Iowa State University?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 7.6 years for Iowa State University. The median across the schools we track is about 12 years.
How much debt do Iowa State University graduates take on?
Among graduates who borrowed, median federal loan debt from this school is about $22,869, against average earnings of $44,000 six years after entry - a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. In our view that is reasonable, though your major matters: higher-earning fields will see the better end of it.
What is the graduation rate at Iowa State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 75.3%, at or above the 64% national average for four-year schools (NCES, 2022). Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
From CampusROI, when there is something worth acting on.
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.