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Head to head · Iowa

Iowa State University vs University of Iowa

Iowa State University costs less than University of Iowa at every income band federal data covers — between $3,770 and $4,734 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeIowa State UniversityUniversity of IowaDifference
Under $30k$10,582$15,316$4,734 · Iowa State University
$30–48k$11,506$15,489$3,983 · Iowa State University
$48–75k$15,463$19,930$4,467 · Iowa State University
$75–110k$19,605$23,811$4,206 · Iowa State University
Over $110k$22,496$26,266$3,770 · Iowa State University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Iowa State University$82,635
University of Iowa$100,363
Difference over four years$17,728

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate89% · 84%
Average SAT1204 · 1200

Listed Iowa State University first, then University of Iowa. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$63,386 · $64,762
Graduate in four years57% · 58%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,869 · $22,500

Again Iowa State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Iowa State University — every income band · University of Iowa — every income band · All Iowa public colleges