ISU vs. Utah State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Utah State University in Logan, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Utah State University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 28,904 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Utah State University is in Logan, UT (Small City setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Utah State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Utah State University 19:1.

ISU vs. Utah State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Utah State 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 Utah State University than ISU ($15,788 vs. $17,779).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Utah State University are 16% lower than at Iowa State University ($9,076 vs. $10,808).
• Iowa State University is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Utah State University (about $1,559 more per year; $10,787.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.4% higher at ISU than at Utah State University (about $4,079 more per year; $28,881.00 vs. $24,802.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Utah State University than at Iowa State University (90% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Iowa State University students is 24.2% larger than aid received by Utah State University students ($10,791 vs. $8,685).

ISU vs. Utah State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Utah State 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 Utah State University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 60 points higher than at Utah State University (1180).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Utah State University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Utah State University 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Utah State University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Utah State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Utah State University (3.63).
• Utah State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than ISU (88.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 23.8% at Utah State University.

ISU vs. Utah State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Utah State 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 Utah State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Utah State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Utah State University graduates have a $10,258 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($13,610 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, Utah State University graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($140 vs. $246).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Utah State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

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.