Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · 25,367 undergrads

• Admit rate: 88.7% (22,995 applicants)
• SAT middle 50%: 1120–1360 (ACT 21–28)
• Undergraduates: 25,367 (3.6% international)
• Average net price: $18,589 (per year after aid)
• Graduation rate: 75% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

• Rolling: No closing date
• Priority: March 1, 2027

Editor's notes

• Do the RAI math before you decide on test scores. The formula weights a single ACT point at 3 and your GPA at 30 times its value, so check whether your score adds to your index. If you don't send one, admission rests on GPA and core courses.
• Report your GPA exactly as your transcript shows it. Iowa State tells you to round to the hundredth and not to recalculate, and it only accepts a weighted GPA if your school's weighting adds no more than one point, so read the rules before you type the number.

Sources

1. Iowa State Admissions, First-year students (academic requirements and RAI)
2. Iowa State Admissions, Apply
3. Iowa State Admissions, First-year checklist
4. Iowa State Office of the Registrar, Other fees (application fee amounts)
5. Iowa State Institutional Research, Common Data Set 2025-26
6. Iowa State Admissions, Application instructions
7. Common App, 2026-27 first-year requirements grid (updated Sept. 25, 2026)