ISU vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Missouri University of Science and Technology based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 7,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Missouri University of Science and Technology is in Rolla, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Missouri University of Science and Technology 17:1.

ISU vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Missouri University of Science and Technology? 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 Missouri University of Science and Technology than ISU ($17,366 vs. $17,779).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 16% lower than at Missouri University of Science and Technology ($10,808 vs. $12,862).
• Missouri University of Science and Technology is 38.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $4,197 more per year; $14,984.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.1% higher at Missouri University of Science and Technology than at Iowa State University (about $4,367 more per year; $33,248.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Missouri University of Science and Technology than at Iowa State University (98% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Missouri University of Science and Technology students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($14,289 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Missouri University of Science and Technology? 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 Missouri University of Science and Technology and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Missouri University of Science and Technology (1310) is 70 points higher than at ISU (1240).
• Incoming Missouri University of Science and Technology students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Missouri University of Science and Technology 1190/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Missouri University of Science and Technology 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Missouri University of Science and Technology - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Missouri University of Science and Technology Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Missouri University of Science and Technology students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at ISU (3.7).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Missouri University of Science and Technology (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 20.9% at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

ISU vs. Missouri University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Missouri University of Science and Technology? 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 Missouri University of Science and Technology's (67%).
• Graduates from Missouri University of Science and Technology earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $695 lower median loan debt than Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates ($23,868 vs. $24,563).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates ($246 vs. $253).
• More Missouri University of Science and Technology 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.