ISU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than ISU based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 30,380 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ISU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia ($17,779 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 21.1% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($10,808 vs. $13,700).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 37.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $4,050 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.8% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at Iowa State University (about $7,175 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at Iowa State University (95% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($13,203 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is the same as at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than University of Missouri-Columbia (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

ISU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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).

• University of Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Iowa State University's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $500 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $1,985 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,883 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($226 vs. $246).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Missouri-Columbia students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 73%)

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.