Applying to ISU

Acceptance RateSAT Median
89.00% 1,240
Iowa State University's acceptance rate is 89.00% for 2023-2024 admission. A total of 22,995 students applied and 20,466 were admitted to the school. Judging by the acceptance rate, it is relatively easy (higher than the national average) to get into ISU.
ISU's acceptance rate places 18th out of 30 Iowa colleges with competitive admission.
The median SAT score is 1,240 and the ACT score is 24 at ISU. ISU's SAT score ranks 3rd out of 17 Iowa colleges that consider SAT score for admission.
To apply to ISU, it is required to submit high school GPA and record. The SAT and ACT score is not required, but considered for admission. In addition, english proficiency test score is also considered (required).
Explore Iowa State University

Admission Statistics

For the academic year 2023-24, the acceptance rate of Iowa State University is 89.00% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 29.00%. 12,146 men and 10,849 women applied to ISU and 10,688 men and 9,873 women students were accepted.
Among them, 3,100 men and 2,764 women were enrolled in the school (Fall 2023). The following table and chart show the admission statistics including the number of applicants, acceptance rate, and yield at ISU.
Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics at ISU
TotalMenWomenAnother GenderGender Unknown
Applicants22,99512,14610,84900
Admitted20,46610,6889,87300
Enrolled5,9353,1002,76400
Acceptance Rate 89.00%88.00%91.00%--
Yield 29.00%29.00%28.00%--
Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2023)
Iowa State University 2023 Acceptance Rate By Gender chart

SAT and ACT Score Distribution

In 2024, 615 students (10% of enrolled) have submitted their SAT scores and 2,963 students (51%) have submitted their ACT scores for seeking degrees at ISU.
The median SAT score is 1,240 with 620 SAT EBRW and 620 SAT Math median scores. The 75th percentile SAT score of EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading / Writing) is 660 and the 25th percentile is 550. The SAT Math 75th percentile score is 690 and 25th percentile is 560 .
The median ACT composite score is 24 with 75th percentile score of 28 and 25th percentile score of 21 at ISU. The median ACT math score is 24 and the ACT English score is 23.
The SAT and ACT scores at Iowa State University are similar to the average score compared to similar colleges (SAT: 1,255, ACT: 27 - public research university with very high research activity).
2024 SAT and ACT Scores at ISU
25th Percentile50th Percentile (Median)75th Percentile
SAT Total111012401350
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing550620660
SAT Math560620690
ACT Composite212428
ACT Math192427
ACT English192327
Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2023)
Iowa State University 2023 SAT and ACT Score Chart

Application Requirements

It requires to submit High School GPA, High School Record (or Transcript), Completion of College Preparatory Program, and English Proficiency Test to its applicants.
The SAT and ACT test score is not reqired, but considered in admission process at ISU. The english proficiency test is reqired .
The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply Iowa State University.
For more admission information such as minimum GPA and deadlines, see its online application page .
ISU Admission Requirements
High School GPARequired
High School RankConsidered, if submitted
High School Record (or Transcript)Required
Completion of College Preparatory ProgramRequired
RecommendationsNot Considered
Formal Demonstration of CompetenciesNot Considered
SAT / ACTConsidered, if submitted
English Proficiency TestRequired
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc)Not Considered
Work experienceNot Considered
Personal statement or essayNot Considered
Legacy statusNot Considered

General Admissions Information

The application fee is $40 for undergraduate schools and $60 for graduate schools of Iowa State University. The next table provides general admission information for applying to ISU.
Admission Information for Applying to ISU
Open Admission PolicyNo
Undergraduate Application Fees$40
Graduate Application Fees$60
Admission Informationhttps://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions
Online Applicationhttps://apps.admissions.iastate.edu/myaccount/
Calendar SystemSemester
Course for High School StudentsOffers within and/or outside a dual enrollment
Credits AcceptedAdvanced placement (AP) Credits
Degree Offered2-4 Years Certificate, Bachelor, Post-Bachelor Certificate, Master, Post-Master Certificate, Doctoral (Research), Doctoral (Professional Practice)
Related Articles and Ads