The University of Iowa is a degree-granting institution of higher learning located in Iowa City, Iowa offering excellent university education for undergraduates and postgraduate students. Iowa State University of Science and Technology commonly referred to as Iowa State University, Iowa State, or ISU is a public research, degree-granting institution based in Ames, Iowa offering research-based education to Iowans. Let’s find out, The University Of Iowa Or Iowa State University.

I am sure you are reading this article because you want to decide where to attend between the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. This paragraph will clear your doubts and answer your silent questions. You can arrive at your choice just by critically assessing yourself. Ask yourself: what is your dream job, what career path do you want for yourself, which of the Iowan cities you would get the best study experience from, and does the University of Iowa or Iowa State University offer some financial aid. For example, let’s say a pre-college student is interested in the International agriculture program and prefers to study in Ames, Iowa because Ames hosts the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sites. That ticks quite many boxes leaning toward Iowa State University. It therefore will not be ill-advised for such a student to consider attending Iowa State University over the University of Iowa.
Cost of Attendance for the University of Iowa
At The University of Iowa, there are two broad costs of attendance for in-state students – average cost before aid and average cost after aid. In the 2018/2019 academic year, the average cost before aid is $25,376 and the average cost after aid is $19,145. The aid includes grants and scholarships from the federal government, state, and institutions. For out-state students, the average cost before aid is $47,376.
Cost of Attendance for Iowa State University
At University, there are two broad costs of attendance for in-state students – average cost before aid and average cost after aid. In the 2018/2019 academic year, the average cost before aid is $21,940 and the average cost after aid is $15,496. The aid includes grants and scholarships from the federal government, state, and institutions. For out-state students, the average cost before aid is $37,128.
Programs Offered at the University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research institution of higher learning in Iowa State. The following are common programs offered by the University of Iowa:
- Computer and information sciences
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Finance
- Art/art studies
- Comparative literature
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- French language and literature
- Biochemistry
- Mathematics teacher education
- English language and literature
- Economics
- Liberal arts and sciences/liberal studies
- Journalism
- Multi-/interdisciplinary studies
- Biology/biological sciences
Programs Offered at Iowa State University
It is a public research college bringing research-based education to Iowans. The following are common programs offered by Carnegie Mellon University:
- Mathematics
- Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering
- Computational science
- Mechanical engineering
- Materials engineering
- Accounting
- Psychology
- Physics
- Chemical engineering
- Finance
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Music teacher education
- Anthropology
- Forest science and biology
- Engineering/industrial management
- Materials engineering
- Construction engineering
- Industrial engineering
Admission Requirements of the University of Iowa
According to the US Department of Education, the University of Iowa typically accepts SAT scores in the range of 1110-1310 (SAT Reading and Writing: 560-650, SAT Math: 550-660) and ACT Composites in the range of 22-29.
Admission Requirements of Iowa State University
According to the US Department of Education, It typically accepts SAT scores in the range of 1010-1310 (SAT Reading and Writing: 480-630, SAT Math: 530-680) and ACT Composites in the range of 21-28.
Students Life at the University of Iowa
The majority of the University of Iowa students live off-campus. Student clubs and organizations are also available at the faculty and departmental levels.
Students Life Iowa State University
Campus Life provides leadership development, a supportive home, student engagement, and amazing food to help students live comfortably on-campus and provide the best study experience.
Rankings of University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is ranked averagely high amongst notable educational ranking websites. The University of Iowa was ranked #420 in the QS World University Rankings by topuniversities.com, #201-250 in the World University Rankings 2021 by timeshighereducation.org, #160 in the Best Global University Ranking by usnews.com, and #76 in the National Universities Rankings by Washington Monthly.
Rankings of Iowa State University
It is ranked averagely high amongst notable educational ranking websites. It was ranked #301-400 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranking by shangairanking.org, #541-550 in the QS World University Rankings by topuniversities.com, #401-500 in the World University Rankings 2021 by timeshighereducation.org, #237 in the Best Global University Ranking by usnews.com and #49 in the National Universities Rankings by Washington Monthly.
Career Prospects for Graduates
According to a 2019 survey conducted by the University of Iowa, the following are the top 10 employers of the University of Iowa graduates
- Pearson
- CNN
- IBM
- Motorola
- Walt Disney World
- Warner Brother Studios
- John Deere
- Integrated DNA Technologies
- Rockwell Collins
Career Prospects for Graduates
According to LinkedIn, the following are the top 5 common career prospects for graduates:
- Business development
- Education
- Sales
- Operations
- Engineering
Conclusion
- The University of Iowa has a higher cost of attendance than Iowa State University
- Both universities are located in the same state
Frequently Asked Questions
1.I want to work for Google, should I attend Iowa State University or the University of Iowa?
Google is one of the top 10 employers of the University of Iowa graduates. Attending the University of Iowa gives you a better chance of landing a job at your dream company.
2. Does University admit Hispanic students?
Yes, Iowa State University admits Hispanic students. 6% of 27,930 enrolled undergraduate students in 2018-19 were Hispanic students