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Iowa State University

Ames, IA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

25,033
Total Students
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$28K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
89%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
6-year
88%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Iowa State University

Iowa State: Pioneering land-grant research, innovation, and 'Science with Practice.'

Iowa State University, nestled in Ames, Iowa, stands as a premier public land-grant research institution, famously embodying its motto, "Science with Practice." From its historic roots as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, Iowa State has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation, recognized globally for its comprehensive research programs. It holds the prestigious R1 classification for "very high research activity," contributing groundbreaking advancements from the world's first electronic digital computer to the "Ames process" crucial for the Manhattan Project.

As one of the nation's first designated land-grant institutions, Iowa State pioneered accessible higher education for all, offering both liberal and practical subjects. It broke barriers by becoming coeducational from its first class in 1868 and was the first land-grant university to offer college credit for domestic economy. Today, its academic breadth spans eight colleges, providing over 100 bachelor's, 120 master's, and 80 doctoral degree programs, alongside a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine from the first state veterinary college in the U.S.

Students at Iowa State delve into a rich educational environment that blends liberal arts with rigorous biological and physical sciences. The university's commitment to technology and discovery has led to numerous patents and inventions, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for scientific advancement. Beyond academics, the vibrant campus life is fueled by spirited Division I athletics as the Cyclones compete in the Big 12 conference, and time-honored traditions like Homecoming, reflecting a proud and engaged student body. With a substantial enrollment, Iowa State continues to offer a dynamic and forward-thinking experience for its students.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Designated R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity.
  • ✦Pioneering land-grant institution; Iowa was the first state to accept the 1862 Morrill Act.
  • ✦Invented the world's first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).
  • ✦Played a critical role in the Manhattan Project, developing the "Ames process" for high-purity uranium metal.
  • ✦Offers over 100 bachelor's, 120 master's, and 80 doctoral degree programs, plus a professional Veterinary Medicine degree.
  • ✦Home to the first state veterinary college in the United States, established in 1879.
  • ✦Endowment of $1.72 billion as of FY 2024.

Timeline

1858
Officially established as Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm.
1862
Iowa became the first state to accept the provisions of the Morrill Act.
1868
Admitted its first coeducational class.
1872
Offered the first courses in domestic economy for college credit at a land-grant university.
1879
Organized the School of Veterinary Science, the first state veterinary college in the U.S.
1898
Renamed Iowa State College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts.
1933
The Statistical Laboratory, the nation's first research and consulting institute of its kind, was established.
1937
Professor John Vincent Atanasoff conceptualized the basic tenets of the world's first electronic digital computer.
1942
Began its significant role in the Manhattan Project.
1959
Officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Iowa State University

🏥

College of Veterinary Medicine

The nation's first state veterinary college, organized in 1879, offering a professional degree program.

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