Public
Large
Big 12 Conference

Iowa State University of Science and Technology SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1130 to 1350
ACT Range21 to 28
Average GPA3.75
Acceptance Rate88.7%

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.

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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

Quick Facts

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.

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Location

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

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

January 3

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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House illustration

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.

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Student life at Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Musical theater
Housing

31% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: No guarantee

Coed
Men only
Women only
Living-learning
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.

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