Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Ames, Iowa
89.1% Acceptance Rate
Iowa State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
89.1%Acceptance Rate
3.7Avg GPA
1199Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$23,309Annual Cost
$63,386Grad Salary
18.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
89.1%
Avg GPA
3.7
Avg SAT
1199
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1110–1350
ACT Middle 50%
21–28
Avg Net Price
$18,165
Need-Based Aid
18.5% receive Pell
Iowa State University is a flagship public research university known for its impact on science, engineering, and agriculture. Admissions are highly selective, focusing on rigorous high school course loads and high academic achievement. The university seeks intellectually ambitious students who are prepared to work in a research-intensive environment and contribute to its strong tradition of innovation and student-led academic initiatives.
When applying, students should focus on highlighting their success in advanced, core academic courses, as well as their involvement in projects that require critical thinking or leadership. Highlighting interest in interdisciplinary research or competitive academic activities is recommended. The university values applicants who are focused, ambitious, and ready to leverage the vast research and networking resources of a top-tier public university to achieve their long-term professional objectives.
Iowa State University Acceptance Rate
Iowa State University (ISU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 89.1%, 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 89.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.25
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
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 Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Iowa State University is November 1 for Early Action applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 103 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 1
Regular Admission
July 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
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.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.90-4.10 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.40 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
- Admission decisions for first-year applicants run on the Regent Admission Index (RAI): a formula combining test score, GPA, and core-course years - automatic admission at 245+ with course minimums met; no essay required for general admission
- Test-optional: students who don't submit ACT/SAT are evaluated on GPA and core coursework alone
- Rolling admission with no hard application deadline, but merit scholarship priority date is March 1 and the centralized OneApp scholarship portal opens mid-September
- First-Year Honors Program is a separate, post-admission application (opens Oct. 1, deadline April 1, rolling review, 3.5+ GPA encouraged); ACT/SAT not required for 2026-27 Honors applicants either
- 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at ISU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Iowa State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Iowa State University (ISU) Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into ISU Without SAT or ACT?
Iowa State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
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
SAT 1199 — Less Competitive
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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ISU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
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
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Iowa State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do 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?
A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Iowa State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Iowa State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Iowa State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Iowa State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ISU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
ISU is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Calculate the Regent Admission Index (RAI) before you build the rest of the strategy
Iowa State doesn't use a holistic file review for general admission - it runs applicants through a formula combining ACT/SAT-equivalent score, cumulative GPA (4-point scale), and years of completed core coursework. Hit an RAI of 245 and meet the core-course minimums, and admission is automatic - no essay, no committee discretion. Have the student (or counselor) run the RAI calculation directly using the official formula before assuming anything about "chances," since this single number does more work than anywhere else in the file.
If the student opts out of submitting ACT/SAT, know the RAI math changes entirely
Iowa State is test-optional, but choosing not to submit scores doesn't just remove a data point - it shifts the whole admission decision onto cumulative GPA and core-course completion alone, with no RAI calculation to fall back on. A student with a strong GPA but light course rigor (e.g., not enough core science/math years) is in a different position test-optional than they would be if a solid ACT/SAT score were in the mix. Walk through both scenarios before deciding whether to submit scores.
Apply to the First-Year Honors Program only after general admission, and don't miss the April 1 deadline
Unlike some honors colleges, Iowa State's First-Year Honors Program application opens October 1 and is only available to students already admitted to ISU - it's a second, separate step, reviewed on a rolling basis with priority to early submissions. Encourage students with a 3.5+ GPA to apply well before April 1; for 2026-27 entrants, ACT/SAT scores are not required for this Honors application either, so the rest of the file (GPA, activities) carries more weight.
Treat March 1 as the real deadline, not the rolling-admission date
Because Iowa State has rolling admission with no hard final cutoff, families sometimes treat the timeline as low-pressure. But Iowa State's merit-based scholarship priority date is March 1, and the centralized OneApp scholarship system (covering general ISU aid plus most college-specific scholarships) opens in mid-September - a complete application and OneApp submission well before March 1 is the actual lever for funding, even though admission itself isn't deadline-driven.
Expert Insight:
The recurring misstep is treating Iowa State as "easy to get into, so no rush" and submitting in the spring - which still gets the student admitted under rolling admission, but locks them out of meaningful merit scholarship consideration (March 1 priority date) and the better Honors Program review window (rolling from October 1, deadline April 1). The admission decision and the financial-aid decision run on different clocks here, and only one of them is forgiving.
ISU Profile
Full Name
Iowa State University (ISU)
City
Ames
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
50011-2103
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a ISU Degree Worth It?
Getting into ISU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. ISU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at ISU is $61,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.64%.
How much does a degree from ISU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Iowa State University is $23,309. 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 $18,165.
18.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.9 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 does a ISU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $63,386. 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West 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 | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs at ISU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About ISU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63,386 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23,309 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
18.5% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Iowa State University is 89.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 are 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.
If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may make 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.
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.
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.
The application deadline for Iowa State University is November 1 for Early Action applicants.
The application fee for Iowa State University is 40. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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.