Iowa State University (ISU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 89.13%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Iowa State University Admission Requirements
ISU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at ISU is 3.7. ISU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.4 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
ISU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at ISU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.70 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.30 – 3.49 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.29 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At ISU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Iowa State University (ISU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Iowa State University Average SAT Score: 1199
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Iowa State University is 1199 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1199 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1350 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Iowa State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1110, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to ISU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 625 | 560 | 690 |
| SAT Reading | 605 | 550 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1199 | 1110 | 1350 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1110 then you are below most of the admitted students at ISU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1350 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Iowa State University (ISU) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Iowa State University (ISU) are good but the admission staff at ISU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Iowa State University (ISU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at ISU is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Iowa State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into Iowa State University with a 28 ACT?
With a 28 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Iowa State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 25.ISU Profile
Name: Iowa State University (ISU)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from ISU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Iowa State University is USD: 23309. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Iowa State University is USD: 18165
How can I get a scholarship?
18.46% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.91 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ISU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Iowa State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist ISU as your choice in the form.
How much a ISU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 63386. An average ISU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Iowa State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Nova Southeastern University, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah College of Art and Design, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Spelman College, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls College, GA | 1155 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Iowa State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Iowa State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63386 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23309 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Iowa State University is 89.13 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.4 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Iowa State University if my GPA is below 3.3
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Iowa State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1199 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1110-1350
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Iowa State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.