Iowa State University is a public university located in Ames, Iowa, with a beautiful and spacious campus covering 1,900 acres. Ranked #470 as per QS World University Ranking the university is home to students from 116 Countries. With an acceptance rate of 89%, the university offers admission to international students into Fall, Summer and Spring intake. As per fall 2024 admission report 13,668 (45.6%) were women and 16,315 (54.4%) were men. 60.6% of all enrolled students are in a STEM major at Iowa State University, reflecting the strong interest in these fields among international students. Some other popular fields of study among international students include Agriculture Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering.
The campus also features the largest public art collection in the United States 2000 pieces. It offers educational programs and has a permanent collection of more than 30,000 objects, all while focusing on diversity in its expanding Art on Campus collection. Additionally, the University also provides on-campus accommodation facilities for international students within the cost of $5,058 – $6,910 (₹379,350 to ₹518,250). To further support students, scholarships such as the International Merit Scholarships, International Excellence Scholarships, and ISSO Scholarships help reduce the financial burden.
Also Check: Study in USA for International Students
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The table below highlights the Iowa State University Rankings by the different ranking bodies for the year 2025:
| Ranking Body | 2025 Rankings |
|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking | #470 out of 1503 universities |
| QS World University Sustainability Ranking | #401 out of 1743 universities |
| US News National University Ranking | #121 out of 436 universities |
| US News Top Public Schools | #61 out of 225 universities |
| US News Best Value School | #125 out of 206 universities |
Based on the rankings above, Iowa State University holds a solid position globally and nationally, with #470 globally by QS World University Ranking and #121 by US News National University Ranking. It also ranks #401 in sustainability by QS showing its efforts towards the environment, and #61 among public universities by US News, reflecting its strength in offering quality education. Additionally, its #125 ranking in Best Value Schools by US News highlights its affordability while maintaining a good reputation.
Iowa State Subject Wise Ranking
Here are the subject rankings for Iowa State University to help international students choose their courses:
QS World University Subject Rankings
| Subject | QS Subject-wise Ranking, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Science | #12 |
| Agriculture and Forestry | #12 |
| Life Science and Medicine | #234 |
| Mechanical Engineering | #201-250 |
| Computer Science and Information Systems | #351-400 |
US News & World Report Subject Rankings
| Subject | US News Subject-wise Ranking |
|---|---|
| Agricultural and Biological Engineering | #12 |
| Mechanical Engineering | #201-250 |
| Computer Science and Information Systems | #351-400 |
Some of the most popular courses offered by the Iowa State University are listed in the table below:
| Course Name | Duration (Years) | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Engineering | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Electrical Engineering | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Human Computer Interaction | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Industrial Engineering | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Information Systems | 1 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Materials Science and Engineering | 2 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Mechanical Engineering | 1 | $32,497 | ₹2,424,775 |
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Hospitality Management | 4 | $30,803 | ₹2,310,225 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Agricultural and Life Sciences Education | 4 | $30,803 | ₹2,310,225 |
Iowa State University offers admission into Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes. As per Fall 2024 data, Iowa State University enrolled 30,432 students, with 25,628 students enrolled in undergraduate programs and 4,170 in graduate programs. Additionally, students can apply for their chosen intake one year prior to the deadlines. Tabulated below are the application deadlines for international students to apply for UG and PG admission at Iowa State University:
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
| Intake Name | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | March 1 – Regular admission deadline. |
| May 1 – Fall semester acceptance deadline. | |
| Spring Semester | November 15 – Spring semester acceptance deadline. |
Graduate Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for graduate programs vary depending on the chosen course, with deadlines for some popular programs listed in the table below:
| Course Name | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | Feb 1, 2025 (Fall), July 1, 2025 (Spring) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics | June 15, 2025 (Fall), Nov 15, 2025 (Spring) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Engineering | Sept 1, 2025 (Spring), Jan 15, 2026 (Fall) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | Jun 1, 2025 (Fall), Nov 1, 2025 (Spring) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Electrical Engineering | Sept 1, 2025 (Spring), Jan 15, 2026 (Fall) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Human Computer Interaction | Sept 1, 2025 (Spring), Jan 15, 2026 (Fall) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Industrial Engineering | Sept 1, 2025 (Spring), Jan 15, 2026 (Fall) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Information Systems | June 15, 2025 (Fall), Nov 15, 2025 (Spring) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Materials Science and Engineering | June 15, 2025 (Fall), Nov 15, 2025 (Spring) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Mechanical Engineering | July 15, 2025 (Fall), Dec 1, 2025 (Spring) |
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| Admission Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| How to Apply | Apply through the official website |
| Application Fees | 100 USD |
| Academic Requirements | Transcripts |
| GPA of 3.0 (~83-86%) or higher | |
| Standardized test scores: SAT (1200+)/ACT (25+) | |
| English Proficiency score: TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS:6.5 | |
| 1-2 Recommendation letters | |
| Financial Aid | Student loans, work-study, and scholarships |
| Supporting Documents | Verified financial bank statement |
| Proof of financial support or sponsor | |
| International information sheet | |
| Authorized clearance for transfer students |
| Admission Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | Coalition Application or Common Application |
| Application Fee | 50 USD (~3,950 INR) |
| Admission Requirements | Completed Application |
| Official high school transcripts (with English translations if not in English) | |
| 4 years of English or native language | |
| 3 years of science (2 years of lab science courses) | |
| 3 years of maths (algebra and geometry) | |
| 2 years of social studies | |
| Some programs require additional documents (e.g., Portfolio, Writing Supplement, Interview) | |
| Transfer Academic Requirements | GPA of 2.25 in transferable courses |
| Associate’s degree holders must have at least 2.0 GPA or 73-76% | |
| International Applicants | Submit English Proficiency Test Scores:TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS: 6.5 |
| Bank Statements | |
| Verification/Affidavit of Sponsor’s Financial Support Form |
Tabulated below are some of the popular scholarship opportunities for international students to help reduce their financial burden during their time in university:
| Scholarship Name | Award Details | Application Deadline | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarships | Award of Achievement: Up to $40,000 total ($5,000–$10,000 per year) Award of Distinction: Up to $16,000 total ($2,000–$4,000 per year) |
Fall: Priority – Feb 15, Final – May 1 Spring: Priority – Nov 15, Final – Dec 15 |
Maintain minimum GPA of 2.5 Be enrolled in 12 credits/term Use scholarship for tuition |
| International Excellence Scholarships | President’s Award: $48,000 ($12,000 per year) Dean’s Award: $40,000 ($10,000 per year) |
No separate application required | President’s Award: GPA of 3.0 Dean’s Award: GPA of 2.5 Enrolled in 12 credits/term |
| ISSO Scholarships | Financial need-based, temporary support for unexpected hardships | Ongoing (OneApp by Apr 3, 2025) | Must submit financial documentation Be enrolled in 12 credits/term |
| ISSO Emergency Funding | Temporary financial support for students facing unexpected financial hardship | Year-round, reviewed twice monthly | One-time award, not renewable |
| Global Scholars Award for Retention | Varies (based on application) | OneApp by Apr 3, 2025 | Must be enrolled in 12 credits/term Prefer students closest to degree completion |
| Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarships | $1,000 grants for international women students studying in the U.S. | April 1, 2025 | Must return to homeland to work in education post-graduation |
| YMCA Scholarships | $1,000 scholarship awarded to one woman undergraduate or graduate student | Nov 29, 2024 | – Demonstrate activity in YWCA mission- Submit a one-page resume and letter of support |
Also Check: Popular Scholarships to Study in USA
Iowa State University has a rich history of innovation and inclusiveness. Founded in 1869, it was one of the first universities to welcome students from all backgrounds and offer practical subjects like agriculture, science, and engineering alongside traditional studies. The university’s achievements include establishing the first state veterinary medicine school in 1879 and developing inventions like the first binary computer and the round hay baler. Known as the Cyclones since 1895, Iowa State continues to uphold its legacy of education, research, and discovery.
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