ISU vs. Augustana University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Augustana University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 2,390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Augustana University is in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Augustana University 12:1.

ISU vs. Augustana University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Augustana University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Iowa State University than Augustana University ($17,779 vs. $24,977).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 4.5% lower than at Iowa State University ($10,326 vs. $10,808).
• Augustana University is 272.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $29,373 more per year; $40,160.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at Augustana University than at Iowa State University (about $11,279 more per year; $40,160.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augustana University students is 182.1% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($30,445 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Augustana University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Augustana University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Augustana University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augustana University (1260) is 20 points higher than at ISU (1240).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Augustana University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Augustana University 1150/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Augustana University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Augustana University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Augustana University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at ISU (3.7).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Augustana University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 26.1% at Augustana University.

ISU vs. Augustana University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Augustana University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Augustana University's (65%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Augustana University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $3,132 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($23,868 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Augustana University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.