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Iowa State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as ISU
Iowa State University accepts 89% of applicants. It is a public university in Ames, Iowa, with about 25,367 undergraduates. The sticker price is $22,020 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $18,517.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for ISU?
Most Iowa residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Iowa State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1207, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Iowa resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 56% Target | 27% Reach |
| 2.7 | 56% Target | 27% Reach |
| 3.0 | 63% Target | 34% Target |
| 3.3 | 82% Likely | 57% Target |
| 3.5 | 89% Likely | 71% Target |
| 3.7 | 94% Likely | 82% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 89% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 92% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Iowa State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $22,020 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $12,000 | $28,100 |
| $50k – $100k | $14,000 | $30,200 |
| $100k – $150k | $19,200 | $35,400 |
| $150k – $250k | $22,000 | $40,900 |
| Over $250k | $22,000 | $41,068 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Iowa State University
What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?
Iowa State University admits 89% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State University?
Most Iowa residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1120–1360 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Iowa State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $22,020 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $18,517 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $12,000 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Iowa State University?
77% of students finish their degree, and 88% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Iowa State University
- University of IowaIowa City, IA · admits 84%
- Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO · admits 89%
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV · admits 89%
- University of OregonEugene, OR · admits 88%
- University of New HampshireDurham, NH · admits 88%
- Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL · admits 88%