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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
$30–48k$11,506$15,489$3,983
$48–75k$15,463$19,930$4,467
$75–110k$19,605$23,811$4,206
Over $110k$22,496$26,266$3,770

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.

Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →

Parent PLUS loans: the caps and the trap →

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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. 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