Iowa State University admits approximately 89.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Iowa State in the Open Access category with admission rates above 75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Iowa State is somewhat more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong chances of admission, though meeting academic standards remains important. The high admission rate reflects the institution's public mission to serve Iowa residents and qualified out-of-state students. Students should focus on meeting academic preparation requirements rather than viewing admission as highly competitive. Iowa State's accessible admission combined with strong outcomes makes it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without extremely competitive admission processes. Applicants should still submit strong applications demonstrating academic readiness and fit with the institution's programs.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Iowa State University typically score 1110-1350 on the SAT, with a median of 1199. The middle 50% range shows most enrolled students fall within this band, though students scoring outside this range are regularly admitted. SAT Math scores range from 560-690, while SAT Verbal scores span 550-660, indicating balanced academic preparation across subjects. ACT scores range from 21-28 with a median of 25, demonstrating solid academic preparation among enrollees. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, Iowa State attracts similarly prepared students. These test score ranges reflect the academic caliber typical of students who enroll and succeed at Iowa State. Students scoring within the 25th-75th percentile ranges are academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should not assume automatic exclusion, as Iowa State evaluates applications holistically. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with enrolled student characteristics when building their college list. The institution's accessible admission rate means that students meeting basic academic preparation standards have good admission prospects.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Iowa State University enrolls 18.5% Pell-eligible students and 19.9% first-generation students, indicating the institution serves students from diverse economic backgrounds. While these shares are moderate compared to open-access institutions, they demonstrate Iowa State's commitment to economic diversity within its student body. Transfer students comprise 19.2% of enrollment, showing the institution welcomes students from community colleges and other four-year institutions. The student composition reflects Iowa State's role as a flagship public research university serving both traditional college-going families and those new to higher education. First-generation students should know that nearly 1 in 5 enrolled students shares their background, providing built-in peer support and understanding. Students from lower-income families comprise a meaningful portion of the student body, though the institution also serves middle and upper-middle-class families. The demographic composition suggests Iowa State successfully balances access with academic standards, creating a diverse learning environment where students from various backgrounds can thrive together.
Given Iowa State's 89% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view admission as accessible rather than highly competitive. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these options.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
87.6% of Iowa State freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating above-average student satisfaction and institutional support. 75.5% of students graduate within six years, substantially higher than the peer median of 65.9%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 67.5%, creating an 8-percentage-point gap with overall completion rates. This gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students but reflects performance within typical ranges for public research universities. The retention and completion rates indicate that students who enroll at Iowa State generally persist and complete their degrees successfully. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they can expect. The Pell completion gap, while present, is not unusually large compared to similar institutions. Students from lower-income backgrounds should consider the available support services and their own academic preparation when evaluating fit. Overall, the retention and completion data suggest Iowa State provides an environment where diverse students can succeed academically.
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