More selective than 21% of Iowa colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
10% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 51% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose ISU over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
We don't have ISU's Common Data Set yet, the college's own report of what it weighs in admissions, early decision and waitlist numbers. Work at ISU or have its file? Send it to us.
ISU SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, ISU is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 560 | 670 |
| SAT math | 560 | 690 |
| ACT composite | 21 | 28 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1120 | 1360 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
ISU admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 89% | 560–670 | 560–690 | 21–28 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 89% | 550–660 | 560–690 | 21–28 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is ISU compared with other Iowa colleges?
ISU has the 23rd-lowest acceptance rate of 29 Iowa colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | University of Iowa | 84% | 75% | $22,531 |
| 20 | Central College | 86% | 66% | $23,377 |
| 21 | Simpson College | 86% | 63% | $21,936 |
| 22 | University of Dubuque | 89% | 40% | $23,386 |
| 23 | Iowa State University | 89% | 75% | $18,589 |
| 24 | University of Northern Iowa | 93% | 68% | $15,901 |
| 25 | Maharishi International University | 96% | 50% | $14,956 |
| 26 | Upper Iowa University | 96% | 34% | $20,942 |
| 27 | Grand View University | 99% | 54% | $21,774 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All Iowa colleges →
Who enrolls at ISU
College Scorecard; IPEDS
ISU admissions questions
What is the ISU acceptance rate?
Iowa State University accepts 89% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 20,496 of 22,995 applicants were admitted.
Does ISU require the SAT or ACT?
Iowa State University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 10% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 51% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for ISU?
The middle 50% of Iowa State University enrolled first-year students scored 1120–1360 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at ISU?
29% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (5,859 of 20,496).
Is ISU getting harder to get into?
Iowa State University accepted 89% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 89% for Fall 2023.
Is ISU the right fit for your family?
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to Iowa State University overview