Iowa State University of Science and Technology SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Iowa State admits most applicants, so the useful question is how clearly your academics point to success once you arrive. Since 46% submit ACT scores, a 28+ can add useful evidence; if you apply test-optional, keep the focus on a GPA near 3.75 and strong coursework.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Iowa State University of Science and Technology facts and stats
Iowa State University of Science and Technology enrolls 25,628 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Iowa State has an 88% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 75% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Ames, IA
How do your scores compare at Iowa State?
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Key Iowa State University of Science and Technology application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 3
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Iowa State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscore-minded retakes. Since Iowa State does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, the last useful fall retake is the final SAT or ACT date whose scores will arrive before its Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Iowa State is a public Big 12 university with in-state tuition of $9,252 and out-of-state tuition of $27,346. About 47% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 3.
Iowa State’s out-of-state tuition is $27,346, compared with $9,252 for in-state students, and room and board is $10,808. About 47% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $15,798. Merit awards average $6,544, which can help reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $29,475.
Student life at Iowa State University of Science and Technology
31% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IAACT: 18–24
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAAcceptance rate: 77.6%
ACT: 19–26
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