Georgia State vs Iowa State

Georgia State University and Iowa State University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Georgia State, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, is an urban research university with a diverse student body and a focus on undergraduate education. Iowa State, situated in the vibrant city of Ames, Iowa, is a land-grant research university known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Georgia State University logo

Georgia State University

Iowa State University logo

Iowa State University

Overview

Location Atlanta, Georgia Ames, Iowa
Campus setting City: Large City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 75.0% 88.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 100.0% 91.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $60
SAT range 1050 - 1290 1083 - 1330
ACT range 19 - 27 21 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 22.0% 13.0%
Students submitting ACT score 12.0% 63.0%
Total number of applicants 19,755 20,357
Total number of admissions given out 19,753 18,550
Admitted students who chose to enroll 6,058 5,387
Yield rate 30.7% 29.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $28,142

Out of state: $43,373
In state: $22,152

Out of state: $37,964
Average net price $17,958 $15,422
Tuition
In state: $7,158

Out of state: $22,389
In state: $8,324

Out of state: $24,136
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,450

Meal plan: $4,142
Room/dormitory: $4,590

Meal plan: $4,498
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

92.0%
Average amount $9,831
87.0%
Average amount $8,833
Students receiving federal student loan 40.0%
Average amount $4,785
47.0%
Average amount $5,202
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $11,295
11.0%
Average amount $11,630

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 28,985
Men 39.5% Women 60.5%
25,808
Men 56.1% Women 43.9%
Graduate students 7,988
Men 36.3% Women 63.7%
4,900
Men 50.6% Women 49.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Very Low
Out-of-state students 11.2% N/A
International students 6.3% 8.2%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Small
Dormitory capacity 5,414 9,400
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Georgia Florida Illinois New York Maryland N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Education
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 27:1 18:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 56.3% 76.0%
Dropout rate 17.5% 6.1%
Transferred out 22.3% 16.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,955
  • Year 2: $91,539
  • Year 3: $99,948
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,917
  • Year 2: $92,358
  • Year 3: $96,658
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,268
  • Year 2: $95,739
  • Year 3: $94,943
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,098
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $91,483
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $66,941
  • Year 3: $82,637
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,661
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $80,235
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,102
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $79,843
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,982
  • Year 2: $67,965
  • Year 3: $77,854
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $77,401
  • Year 3: $77,089
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,954
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $71,816
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,739
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: $101,292
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,956
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $95,081
Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,120
  • Year 2: $89,059
  • Year 3: $92,521
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,573
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $85,108
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,299
  • Year 2: $73,321
  • Year 3: $83,452
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,598
  • Year 2: $73,839
  • Year 3: $83,292
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,184
  • Year 2: $71,734
  • Year 3: $81,196
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,223
  • Year 2: $70,680
  • Year 3: $79,916
Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,580
  • Year 2: $70,083
  • Year 3: $77,479
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,534
  • Year 2: $67,156
  • Year 3: $76,113

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    Georgia State University (GSU) is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, offering a vibrant urban campus experience. You'll find yourself immersed in a bustling city environment with easy access to cultural attractions, internships, and career opportunities. Iowa State University (ISU), on the other hand, is situated in Ames, Iowa, providing a more traditional, suburban college town atmosphere. ISU's campus is known for its beautiful green spaces and a strong sense of community, ideal for those seeking a classic college experience.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. GSU is particularly strong in business, law, and the arts, leveraging its urban location for practical learning experiences. ISU excels in STEM fields, including engineering, agriculture, and design, with a reputation for research and innovation. Consider your specific academic interests when choosing between the two, as each institution has its areas of specialization.

  • What is the student life like at Georgia State University versus Iowa State University?

    Student life at GSU is characterized by its diversity and the opportunities available in a major city. You'll find a diverse student body and a wide array of student organizations catering to various interests. ISU offers a strong sense of community with a more traditional college experience, including a vibrant Greek life, active student government, and a strong focus on athletics, particularly football and basketball.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    Generally, GSU tends to be more affordable than ISU, especially for in-state students. However, tuition and fees can vary depending on your residency status and the specific program you choose. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants, to determine the net cost of attendance.

  • What are the research opportunities like at Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    Both universities offer research opportunities, but the focus and scope differ. ISU is a major research institution, particularly strong in STEM fields, with extensive research facilities and funding. GSU also provides research opportunities, especially in areas related to its urban location, such as public policy, urban planning, and business. The availability of research opportunities will depend on your chosen field of study.

  • How do the career services and job placement rates compare at Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    Both universities have career services departments to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. GSU's location in Atlanta provides students with access to a large job market and internship opportunities in various industries. ISU's strong reputation in STEM fields often leads to high job placement rates for graduates in those areas, particularly in engineering and agriculture. The specific career outcomes will depend on your major and career goals.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    ISU has a more prominent athletic program, competing in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. They have a strong following for football, basketball, and other sports. GSU's athletic programs are also Division I, but with a smaller profile. The athletic experience at ISU is a significant part of the campus culture, while GSU offers a more diverse range of activities and interests beyond athletics.

  • How does the campus size and environment influence the student experience at Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    GSU has a more compact, urban campus, which means you'll likely navigate the city and campus on foot or using public transportation. This can lead to a fast-paced, dynamic environment. ISU has a larger, more spread-out campus with a more traditional feel, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and a greater emphasis on outdoor activities and green spaces. The campus environment will significantly impact your daily life and social interactions.

  • What are the admission requirements like for Georgia State University and Iowa State University?

    Admission requirements vary between the two universities. Both require high school transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), although test-optional policies may be in place. ISU generally has more competitive admission standards than GSU. It's essential to check the specific requirements for your intended program and application deadlines on each university's website. Consider your academic record and test scores when deciding which university is a better fit.

  • Which university is a better fit for me: Georgia State University or Iowa State University?

    The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you thrive in a fast-paced, urban environment and are interested in business, law, or the arts, GSU might be a good choice. If you prefer a traditional college town atmosphere, are interested in STEM fields, and enjoy a strong sense of community and athletics, ISU could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, and career aspirations when making your decision.

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