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Iowa State University

Ames, IA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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: A pioneering land-grant institution, driving innovation from agriculture to computing.

Step into the vibrant world of Iowa State University, a public land-grant research powerhouse nestled in Ames, Iowa. Since its establishment in 1858, Iowa State has been a beacon of innovation, living by its motto "Science with Practice." It stands proudly as one of the nation's first designated land-grant institutions, committed to making higher education accessible and practical for all.

Iowa State's historical significance is deeply woven into the fabric of American progress. From offering the first college-credit courses in domestic economy to organizing the nation's first state veterinary college, ISU has consistently broken new ground. It played a pivotal role in creating the world's first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), and contributed significantly to the Manhattan Project, pioneering the "Ames process" for uranium production.

Academically, Iowa State is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking discovery. Students can choose from an impressive array of over 100 bachelor's, 120 master's, and 80 doctoral degree programs, alongside a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine. The university's eight colleges, including Engineering, Business, and Agriculture and Life Sciences, provide a comprehensive and robust educational experience, fostering an environment where students engage directly with research and practical application. Outside the classroom, the campus hums with activity, from the spirited traditions of Homecoming to the competitive Cyclones athletics in the Big 12 conference, ensuring a dynamic and enriching student journey.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • One of the nation's first land-grant universities, established in 1858, accepting the Morrill Act in 1862.
  • Home to the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), recognized as the world's first electronic digital computer.
  • Crucial contributor to the Manhattan Project, producing one-third of the uranium for the first controlled nuclear chain reaction through the 'Ames process'.
  • Pioneered the first college-credit courses in domestic economy and organized the first state veterinary college in the U.S.
  • Offers over 100 bachelor's, 120 master's, and 80 doctoral degree programs, plus a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine.
  • Boasts an endowment of $1.72 billion (FY 2024) and a total student enrollment of 31,105 (fall 2025).

Timeline

1858
Officially established as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm.
1862
Iowa becomes the first state to accept the provisions of the Morrill Act, designating Iowa State as a land-grant institution.
1868
Admitted its first class of students, making it coeducational from the start.
1872
First land-grant university to offer courses in domestic economy (home economics) for college credit.
1879
The School of Veterinary Science was organized, becoming the first state veterinary college in the U.S.
1898
Renamed Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
1933
The Statistical Laboratory was established, the first research and consulting institute of its kind.
1937
Professor John Vincent Atanasoff conceptualizes the basic tenets of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).
1942
Begins its significant role in the Manhattan Project, developing the Ames process for uranium production.
1959
Officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Iowa State University

🏥

College of Veterinary Medicine

Offering a professional degree program and recognized as the first state veterinary college in the United States.

💼

Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business

One of the university's eight colleges, providing comprehensive business education.

⚙️

College of Engineering

A prominent college known for practical and innovative engineering education.

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