Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Iowa State University
Pioneering land-grant university, Iowa State drives innovation from computing to agriculture.
Step into a legacy of innovation at Iowa State University, a vibrant public land-grant research institution nestled in Ames, Iowa. Founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, ISU quickly became a beacon of "Science with Practice," establishing itself as one of the nation's first designated land-grant institutions. Today, it stands as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity, renowned for its groundbreaking contributions across science, technology, engineering, and agriculture.
Iowa State's history is marked by a pioneering spirit. It was the first state to accept the provisions of the Morrill Act in 1862, setting the stage for accessible higher education focused on practical and liberal subjects. The university made significant strides early on, being coeducational since its first class in 1868 and establishing the nation's first state veterinary college in 1879. Its faculty also conceptualized the world's first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), and played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project through the development of the "Ames process."
Prospective students will discover a rich academic landscape with over 100 bachelor's, 120 master's, and 80 doctoral degree programs, alongside a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine. These programs are housed within eight distinct colleges, offering a comprehensive education that blends liberal arts with cutting-edge research. With a student body exceeding 31,000 and a beautiful 2,000-acre campus, Iowa State offers a dynamic student experience, spirited NCAA Division I athletics as the Cyclones, and a strong sense of community, all while maintaining its dedication to solving global challenges through impactful research.
Key Highlights
- ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity."
- ✦Home to the conceptualization of the world's first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).
- ✦Pioneering land-grant institution, being the first state to accept the Morrill Act of 1862.
- ✦Established the nation's first state veterinary college in 1879 and first collegiate domestic economy courses for credit in 1872.
- ✦Significant contributor to 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 DVM.
- ✦Boasts a $1.72 billion endowment (FY 2024) and a student body of 31,105 (fall 2025).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within Iowa State University
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Administers academic offerings in agricultural fields.
College of Veterinary Medicine
Offers a professional degree program in Veterinary Medicine, the nation's first state veterinary college.
College of Engineering
Administers academic offerings in various engineering disciplines.
Graduate College
Administers academic offerings for master's and doctoral programs.
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Administers academic offerings in liberal arts and sciences.
College of Design
Administers academic offerings in design fields.
Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business
Administers academic offerings in business.
College of Health and Human Sciences
Administers academic offerings in health and human sciences.
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