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Iowa State University

Ames, 🇺🇸 United States Public
#449 QS World #401 THE #401 ARWU
Iowa State University campus
31,105 students Suburban $30.6k - $35.8k/yr

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is a renowned public land-grant research university established in 1858. It is recognized for its strong academic programs, innovative research, and a student-centered approach that fosters discovery and innovation. With a diverse student body from all 50 states and over 100 countries, Iowa State offers a welcoming environment for international students.

Academics


Iowa State University offers a comprehensive array of academic programs across eight colleges, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university is particularly known for its pioneering work in engineering fields like aerospace and sustainable energy, and its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a global leader in agricultural innovation. With over 100 majors, minors, and certificates, students can customize their education to align with their interests and career goals.

International Students


The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Iowa State University provides extensive support services, including guidance on immigration compliance, employment regulations, and assistance with social, cultural, financial, and personal concerns. Free tutoring is available for all international students through the Academic Success Center. International students comprise about 7-9% of the total student body, representing over 100 countries, with a significant number coming from China, India, and Malaysia. The university offers numerous student organizations, including multicultural groups and the International Family (iFam), to help international students integrate and connect with the community.

Campus & Location


Iowa State University's sprawling campus spans over 1,900 acres in Ames, Iowa, a city consistently ranked as a top college town. Ames offers a blend of urban and rural experiences with local shops, restaurants, and parks, known for its friendly and safe environment. The campus features iconic landmarks like the Campanile and Central Campus, state-of-the-art research facilities, and comfortable residence halls. Convenient transportation options, including major highways and accessibility to Des Moines International Airport, connect Ames to national and international destinations.

Career Outcomes


Iowa State graduates are highly sought after by employers due to the university's emphasis on practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. According to the 2022-23 Career Outcomes Report, 78.6% of bachelor's and 82.8% of master's graduates received job offers within six months of graduation. Top employers include Meta, Google, John Deere, Microsoft, and Amazon. Career Services provides support with resume writing, internship searches, career fairs, and interview preparation. International students in the College of Engineering often pursue co-ops or internships, gaining valuable professional experience in the U.S.

Highlights

  • Land-grant research university established 1858
  • Global leader agricultural innovation
  • Strong engineering programs
  • Diverse international student body
  • Top-ranked college town location

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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Programs Offered at Iowa State University (31)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (14)

Animal Science

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
BA degreeBS degreeagricultureagriculture programames university
48 months English Full-time

Horticulture

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
agriculturebabachelorbsbsc
48 months English Full-time

Architecture

Architecture

Architecture
architecture degree program abroadbachelor of science in architecturebs in architecturebachelor architecture united statesbachelor in architecture
60 months English Full-time

Finance

STEM

Business

Business
administrationbabachelorbachelor of artsbachelor of science
48 months English Full-time

Journalism and Mass Communication

Communication

Communication
bachelorcommunicationiowajournalismmass
48 months English Full-time

Chemical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelor in engineeringbachelor engineeringbachelors in engineeringbachelors engineeringbsc in engineering
48 months English Full-time

Agricultural Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
agriculturalbabachelorbachelorsbeng
48 months English Full-time

Materials Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Materials Engineering
materials engineering bachelor Iowa Statematerials science degreeBS materials engineeringmaterials technology programengineering materials undergraduate
48 months English Full-time

Electrical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
electronics engineeringengineering universityengineering careerbachelor engineeringstudy engineering in ames
48 months English Full-time

Industrial Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelor engineeringbachelor engineering amesbachelor in engineeringbachelor in engineering in united statesbachelor of engineering
48 months English Full-time

Food Science and Human Nutrition

STEM

Food Science

Food Science
food science program in united statesfood science bachelor programstudy food science amesstudy food science in united statesundergraduate food science
48 months English Full-time

Kinesiology

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
babachelorbengbsbsc
48 months English Full-time

Psychology

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
bs in social sciencesbachelor degree social sciencessocial sciences program united statessocial sciencessocial sciences in ames
48 months English Full-time

Economics

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
undergraduate in social sciencesbachelor's degree social sciencesbachelor social scienceseconomicsundergraduate social sciences
48 months English Full-time

Master Programs (12)

Landscape Architecture

Architecture

Architecture
architecturegraduateiowalandscapemaster
36 months English Full-time

Biochemistry

STEM

Biology

Biology
biochemistrybiologymasterunited states
24 months English Full-time

Business Administration

Business

Business Administration
administrationbusinessbusiness administrationgraduateiowa state university
21 months English Full-time

Business Analytics

STEM

Business

Business
MBA programmasters Business Iowa State UniversityIowa State University Businessinternational Business programdata analyst degree
24 months English Full-time

Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science & IT
computercomputingcsgraduatemaster
24 months English Full-time

Cyber Security

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computercomputer sciencecybergraduateiowa
24 months English Full-time

Software Engineering

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science & IT
computerengineeringmastersciencesoftware
24 months English Full-time

Aerospace Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
aerospaceaerospace engineeringengineeringgraduateiowa state university
24 months English Full-time

Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
engineering program abroadenglish taught master engineering in united statesmaster in engineeringenglish-taught master engineeringinternational engineering master
24 months English Full-time

Environmental Science

STEM

Environmental Science

Environmental Science
masters in environmental sciencemasters of environmental sciencestudy environmental sciencestudy environmental science abroadstudy environmental science in united states
24 months English Full-time

Nutritional Sciences

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
masters in health scienceshealth sciences mastersstudy health sciences in united statesmasters health sciences in united stateshealth sciences program in ames
24 months English Full-time

Statistics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
graduatemamastermathematicsmba
24 months English Full-time

PhD Programs (5)

Genetics

STEM

Biology

Biology
biologybiosciencesgeneticslifephd
60 months English Full-time

Materials Science and Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
engineeringmaterialsphdsciencestates
60 months English Full-time

Electrical and Computer Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
phd in engineeringdoctoral engineeringstudy engineering in united statesstudy engineering in amesphd engineering united states
60 months English Full-time

Civil Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
phd in engineeringengineering phd degreestudy engineeringstudy engineering in united statesphd engineering in united states
60 months English Full-time

Physics

STEM

Science

Science
phd in sciencephd sciencestudy science in united statesphd science in united statesscience program in ames
48 months English Full-time

Iowa State University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
71+ TOEFL
105+ Duolingo
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes August, January
Tuition (per year) $30.6k - $35.8k/yr
Teaching Language English
Student : Faculty 18:1
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)ABETAACSB InternationalAccrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass CommunicationsLandscape Architectural Accreditation Board, American Society of Landscape Architects

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Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa State University

Common questions from international students considering Iowa State University.

What is the acceptance rate at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University is classified as "Open (60%+)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Iowa State University cost for international students?

Tuition at Iowa State University ranges from $30.6k - $35.8k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Iowa State University ranked globally?

Iowa State University holds the following rankings: QS World #449, Times Higher Education #401, ARWU #401. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Iowa State University have?

Iowa State University typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 71+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Iowa State University?

Yes, Iowa State University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Iowa State University start its semesters?

Iowa State University has intakes starting in August, January. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Iowa State University offer?

Iowa State University offers 31+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Iowa State University located?

Iowa State University is located in Ames, United States 🇺🇸. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for Iowa State University?

For specific details about Iowa State University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Iowa State University offer?

For specific details about Iowa State University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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