Iowa State University of Science and Technology Campus

2025 admissions data

Iowa State University of Science and Technology Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 88.7% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 89 actually get in. No guessing. Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a UNIV institution located in Ames, IA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

If you're passionate about STEM fields and enjoy hands-on learning, Iowa State University of Science and Technology might be an excellent fit for you. Its emphasis on engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine speaks to those eager for a rigorous, practical education. However, if you're looking for a more liberal arts-focused experience or small class settings, you may feel out of place here, given the large urban campus size. A significant trade-off is the balance between practical experience versus traditional classroom learning; students here engage deeply with projects but may miss out on broader academic exploration. Think carefully about your career goals and preferred learning styles before applying to Iowa State, which offers abundant opportunities yet a very focused academic environment.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

88.9%

Acceptance Rate

Women

88.4%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

23,095

Admitted

20,475

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Iowa State University of Science and Technology. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math560–690

Reading560–670

ACT Score Range

English20–27

Math20–28

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the Iowa State University of Science and Technology Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Iowa State University of Science and Technology offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 88.7% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Iowa State University of Science and Technology, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

Unlike many institutions where program selection is primarily a student choice, at Iowa State, the emphasis on STEM disciplines heavily influences the overall student experience. Students pursuing engineering or agricultural degrees often find themselves in a high-pressure, fast-paced academic environment that prioritizes project-based learning. This approach fosters practical skills essential for the workforce but comes with a cost: students may become so consumed by their specialized curricula that they overlook opportunities to explore other interests. Finding the right balance is key; while focused study can yield deep expertise, it may limit a broader educational experience. In addition, students should assess their priorities in terms of time management and personal interests. If you're a student inclined towards interdisciplinary studies, be prepared to advocate for space in your schedule to explore electives outside your major. Understanding this dynamic can significantly impact your satisfaction and success during your years at Iowa State. Navigating the workload and expectations, students benefit from support systems—such as mentoring and peer study groups—that can diffuse stress. But those who are unaware may find themselves overwhelmed and disengaged from the richer campus life. Your choices in studies will invariably shape your experience here, so think critically about where you imagine yourself after graduation and ensure that your chosen path aligns with personal growth opportunities.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $40

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://apps.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/online/

Your Chances of Getting Into Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Iowa State University of Science and Technology based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

So, How Selective Is Iowa State University of Science and Technology Really?

By the time students reach this point in their research, most are no longer just curious about numbers. They want clarity. They want to know whether applying to Iowa State University of Science and Technology makes sense for them, not just how the university looks on paper.

Acceptance data helps frame that question, but selectivity is ultimately contextual. Some applicants encounter a relatively smooth admissions process, while others face more competition depending on academic background, intended major, and preparation level.

What This Means for Your Application Decisions

If your academic record aligns well with what Iowa State University of Science and Technology typically looks for, the admissions process may feel more approachable than the overall data suggests. On the other hand, students aiming for high-demand programs or applying with less preparation should expect more competition—even if the university’s overall admit rate seems favorable.

This is why students sometimes feel surprised by outcomes. Admissions decisions are not random; they are shaped by how closely an applicant’s profile matches institutional priorities.

Instead of asking whether Iowa State University of Science and Technology is “easy” or “hard” to get into, a more useful question is whether it fits your academic goals and current profile. When viewed this way, acceptance data becomes a planning tool rather than a source of stress, helping students build balanced application lists and realistic expectations.

Should You Apply to Iowa State University of Science and Technology?

If 88.7% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Iowa State University of Science and Technology Acceptance Rate

What is the SAT/ACT policy at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University has an optional test policy, meaning that standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for admission, although they may be considered if submitted.

What are the strongest majors at Iowa State?

Iowa State University excels in STEM majors, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, offering robust programs with practical applications.

What is the acceptance rate for Iowa State?

Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of approximately 89%, providing ample opportunities for students interested in applying.

How much does Iowa State cost after financial aid?

After financial aid, the average net cost to attend Iowa State University is about $17,000 per year, making it relatively affordable for many students.

What is the graduation rate at Iowa State?

The graduation rate at Iowa State University is around 75%, reflecting the institution's commitment to supporting students in completing their degrees.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Iowa State University of Science and Technology isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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