Loading…

UNITED STATES · AMES

Iowa State University

public · Founded 1858 · Languages: en

In short

Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, is a large public research university offering over 100 academic programs with a focus on 'Science with Practice.' It provides a strong community feel, extensive research opportunities, and robust career preparation services for students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1858
Students: 36,660
International students: 3,300
Acceptance rate: 90%
Tuition (intl): €22–28k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Ames, United States

Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is a large public research university known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. With over 100 majors, minors, and certificates across various colleges, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, students can customize their education to align with their passions. The university emphasizes a "Science with Practice" philosophy, encouraging hands-on learning, research, and innovation. Iowa State provides a supportive environment, with a high percentage of first-year students participating in learning communities that offer social and academic support. The university boasts an award-winning entrepreneurial ecosystem and extensive undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to engage in discovery and gain valuable skills alongside world-class faculty mentors. Career preparation is a significant focus, with over 1,000 employers participating in career fairs annually to connect students with internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. The university is a hub for thinkers, creators, and doers, fostering an environment where imagination sparks innovation. Whether through advanced robotics research, entrepreneurial ventures, or fundamental scientific inquiry, Iowa State is dedicated to unearthing students' full potential and preparing them to make a global impact. Many graduate programs offer competitive financial support, including assistantships and tuition waivers, making it an attractive option for advanced studies.

Why study here

Access to a wide range of academic programs, including over 100 majors, minors, and certificates, allowing for personalized education.
Benefit from a strong community feel within a large university, with structured support networks like learning communities.
Engage in significant hands-on research and innovation opportunities across various disciplines, often working with leading faculty.
Prepare for a successful career through extensive career services, including large career fairs and personalized counseling.
Take advantage of competitive financial support, including assistantships and tuition waivers, for many graduate programs.

Student life

Iowa State University offers a vibrant student life with a large university feel and a close-knit community. Students are encouraged to forge lifelong friendships and participate in a wide array of activities. The university hosts over 800 student organizations, providing numerous opportunities for involvement outside the classroom. Many first-year students benefit from learning communities, which provide built-in social and academic support networks to ease the transition into college life. The campus is a dynamic environment where students can turn their passions into professions and let their imaginations spark innovation, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community spirit. Events like football games in 'Cyclone country' contribute to a lively campus atmosphere.

Fees

InternationalInternational students are required to verify sufficient financial resources for all educational, living, and dependent expenses for the duration of their studies before visa document issuance (Form I-20 or DS-2019). The estimated annual cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, meals, and an estimate for books and supplies. Actual costs may vary based on lifestyle, major, college, and academic progress. Non-resident undergraduate tuition is roughly USD 24,000-29,000 per year.

HomeIowa residents pay substantially lower in-state tuition of roughly USD 9,000-10,000 per year for undergraduate programs.

LivingAmes is an affordable college town; annual living costs (housing, meals, transport, personal) typically range from USD 11,000-14,000.

Over 85% of students receive some form of financial aid. Various planning tools and monthly payment plans are available to help manage costs. Tuition waivers are often available for graduate students in good standing with assistantships.

Admissions

Undergraduate GPA3.0 or better (for MS & PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)

Graduate GPA3.3 or better (for any graduate work for MS & PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)

Bachelor’s DegreeFrom an accredited college, preferably in biological science, chemistry, physics, or engineering (for Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology)

Chemistry PhDProgram focused on research in chemical sciences, with majors in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and interdisciplinary chemistry. Specializations available in Materials, Industrial, Biomolecular, Chemical Instrumentation, Forensic, and Chemical Education.

Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyHighly competitive, direct-admit program. Applicants must identify and contact faculty before applying. Research readiness evaluated through recommendations, experience, coursework, and statement of purpose.

ImmunobiologyInterdepartmental program offering flexible education across over a dozen departments, focusing on health and disease challenges like infectious diseases, vaccine development, and cancer immunotherapy.

MicrobiologyInterdepartmental program offering MS and PhD degrees. Broad research opportunities in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiology, virology, microbe interactions, and host responses.

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB)Interdisciplinary program for graduate students exploring life processes. Offers PhD (typically rotation-based) and MS (typically direct-admit) opportunities with over 70 faculty across 15 departments.

Sustainable AgricultureHighly competitive, direct-admit program. Applicants must identify and contact a major professor before applying. Emphasizes interdisciplinary solutions to global problems like feeding populations and managing natural resources.

ToxicologyGraduate program (MS & PhD) with prerequisites including an undergraduate degree in a relevant area (e.g., chemical engineering, biology) and specific coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biological sciences.

Physics and AstronomyGraduate studies for Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy with majors in astrophysics, condensed matter physics, high energy physics, nuclear physics, and physics. Minor credit courses also available.

Genetics and GenomicsResearch-based MS and PhD degrees. Admission is not offered without financial support. PhD students generally receive a 9-month research assistantship and rotate through labs.

Biochemistry and Biophysics (BBMB)PhD and MS programs training students to unravel molecular mechanisms. PhD rotation program (three labs in first semester) helps find optimal research fit. Requires specific coursework and dissertation.

TOEFL iBT79 (before Jan 21, 2026); 4.5 (on or after Jan 21, 2026)

TOEFL PBT550

IELTS6.5

PTE53

Duolingo English Test115

Rankings

QS World University Rankings#449

U.S. News National Universities (USA)#122 (approx.)

University scholarships

Department of Chemistry Assistantships$28,860 (Fall 2024 stipend)

Genetics and Genomics Assistantships$10,436 per semester (not including summer) for 9-month research assistantship for PhD rotation students

Sociology and Criminal Justice ScholarshipsVaries

Food Science and Human Nutrition Assistantships & ScholarshipsVaries

Accreditation

Iowa State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with numerous programs holding additional discipline-specific accreditation (e.g., ABET for engineering).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

The Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy (ELOP) at Iowa State University prepares students to become leading researchers focused on critical issues within P-12 educational systems. The program delves into areas such as accountability, education policy, ethical leadership, instructional leadership, rural education, school reform, and social justice leadership. This doctoral program is designed for individuals aspiring to academic careers in colleges and universities or research positions in public institutions and private organizations. Graduates often become educational researchers or pursue leadership roles in educational agencies and policy centers. Some may also leverage their experience for district or state-level leadership positions.

PhD

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated costs for international students at Iowa State University?

International students should verify sufficient funds for all educational, living, and dependent expenses. The estimated annual cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, meals, and books, but actual costs can vary based on lifestyle and major. Non-resident undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 24,000-29,000 per year, with living costs typically ranging from USD 11,000-14,000 annually.

Does Iowa State University offer financial aid or scholarships for international students?

Over 85% of students receive some form of financial aid. While the provided data highlights specific assistantships and tuition waivers for graduate students in programs like Chemistry and Genetics and Genomics, prospective international students should inquire directly with their departments about available funding opportunities.

What academic programs are available at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University offers over 100 majors, minors, and certificates across diverse colleges, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and research, preparing students for practical application of their studies.

How does Iowa State University support its students' career preparation?

The university focuses significantly on career preparation, with over 1,000 employers participating in annual career fairs to connect students with internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. Iowa State also boasts an award-winning entrepreneurial ecosystem and extensive undergraduate research opportunities.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

Applicants can be exempt from English proficiency scores if they have completed a degree from an English-medium institution in an English-speaking country. Otherwise, requirements include TOEFL iBT of 79 (before Jan 21, 2026), IELTS of 6.5, PTE of 53, or Duolingo English Test of 115.

Last updated 3 July 2026