Iowa State University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,309 per year, including $10,497 in-state tuition, $9,726 for room and board, and $1,091 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $27,683.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,018 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,881 |
| Room and Board | $10,808 |
| Books and Supplies | $700 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,429 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,589 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,582 |
| $30–48k | $11,506 |
| $48–75k | $15,463 |
| $75–110k | $19,605 |
| $110k+ | $22,496 |
Iowa State University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,309 per year, including $10,497 in-state tuition, $9,726 for room and board, and $1,091 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $27,683. However, the average student pays $18,165 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,144 from the sticker price.
This net price positions Iowa State $2,575 below the peer median of $15,590, making it more affordable than similar institutions. The gap between published cost and actual net price demonstrates meaningful financial aid impact for enrolled families. Net costs vary substantially by family income, ranging from $11,734 for the lowest-income families to $21,827 for the highest earners.
Iowa State enrolls 18.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate service to lower-income populations compared to community colleges but solid representation within the research university sector. The $5,144 average financial aid savings reflects meaningful support across income levels.
Net prices starting at $11,734 for families earning under $30,000 make Iowa State accessible to lower-income students, though not at the deeply subsidized levels seen at some elite private institutions. The progressive pricing structure concentrates aid toward families with the greatest financial need.
Middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay $15,430, representing reasonable affordability for public education. Upper-middle-income families face higher costs but still benefit from in-state tuition advantages.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Iowa State graduates carry a median debt of $22,869, compared to a peer median of $20,000, indicating slightly higher borrowing than similar institutions. Debt levels range from $8,250 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 falls within manageable ranges, as graduates earn sufficient income to support loan repayment. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $21,463 with monthly payments of $283.
Combined with reasonable earnings trajectories, these debt levels create sustainable repayment conditions for most graduates. The slight elevation above peer debt levels reflects Iowa State's position as a research university with higher costs than regional institutions, but the debt burden remains proportional to earnings outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Iowa State delivers solid return on educational investment despite graduates earning $3,579 below expectations relative to similar students nationally. Median earnings of $63,386 rank at the 78th percentile, positioning graduates well above national averages.
The institution outperforms peer medians by $2,843 in annual earnings, offsetting the slightly higher debt levels. Strong performance in mobility rankings at the 92.3rd percentile indicates effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement.
Engineering and business programs drive particularly strong returns, with Computer Engineering graduates earning $95,433. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 supports manageable repayment timelines.
