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
Admission at Iowa State University is inclusive by design. 89.1% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Iowa State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 1 for Iowa State University (Early Action — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 83 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 admitted students at ISU is 3.7. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.40 and 3.7? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.90–4.10.ISU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- 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
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at ISU
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Iowa State University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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
Scores aren't just a formality at ISU. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into ISU Without SAT or ACT?
ISU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Iowa State University Average SAT Score: 1199
Admitted students at Iowa State University average a 1199 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1199 — Less Competitive
A 1199 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1350 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Iowa State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1110? A retake is worth it at ISU. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
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 |
A score under 1110 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1350+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Iowa State University (ISU) with a 1350 SAT?
At 1350, your SAT is squarely in ISU's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Iowa State University (ISU) ACT Requirements
ISU's admitted students average an ACT of 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 25 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
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?
At 28, you're in the top quarter of ISU's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, ISU weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ISU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
ISU is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in 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?
At $23,309/year against a $63,386 median graduate salary, ISU is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $61,300, and graduates see a 2.64% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from ISU Cost?
Listed tuition runs $23,309/year at ISU. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $18,165.
At ISU, 18.5% receive a Pell Grant and 45.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming ISU on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a ISU Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, ISU graduates report a median income of $63,386, about 56% above the U.S. median graduate income.
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
Iowa State University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $63,386/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Iowa State University is relatively affordable, around $23,309/year.
18.5% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Iowa State University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Iowa State University's acceptance rate is 89.1%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Iowa State University students is 3.7, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.4 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Iowa State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.3 or below makes admission tougher at Iowa State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Iowa State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1199, and within the 1110–1350 range, keeps you competitive.
Iowa State University's deadline is November 1 (Early Action).
Iowa State University charges an application fee of 40; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before November 15, 2026. That's Iowa State University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.