ISU vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than NDSU based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 11,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

ISU vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than ISU ($15,596 vs. $17,779).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 8.1% lower than at Iowa State University ($9,928 vs. $10,808).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $323 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.2% higher at ISU than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $13,117 more per year; $28,881.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Dakota State University Main Campus than at Iowa State University (81% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Iowa State University students is 68.4% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($10,791 vs. $6,409).

ISU vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or NDSU? 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 NDSU and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 150 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at NDSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at NDSU (3.53).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than ISU (88.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 32% at NDSU.

ISU vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus's (54%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $100 more per year than NDSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $53,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $568 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($23,300 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($240 vs. $246).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.