Iowa State vs U of A

Iowa State University and the University of Arizona, both esteemed public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Iowa State, nestled in the heart of the Midwest, boasts a strong focus on agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, while the University of Arizona, situated in the vibrant city of Tucson, excels in fields like astronomy, optics, and environmental science. With acceptance rates of 84% and 82% respectively, both universities welcome a diverse student body, hailing from various backgrounds and cultures. While Iowa State's student population leans slightly more towards females, the University of Arizona maintains a more balanced gender ratio. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal university for your academic and personal growth.

	Iowa State University	University of Arizona
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Tucson, Arizona
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
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	88.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	87.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1120 - 1370
ACT range	21 - 28	21 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	19.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	48,065
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	41,946
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	8,436
Yield rate	29.0%	20.1%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	In state: $30,136 Out of state: $54,658
Average net price	$15,422	$17,242
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $11,299 Out of state: $35,821
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $8,400 Meal plan: $5,050
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	92.0% Average amount $13,790
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	24.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	3.0% Average amount $20,814

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	37,434 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	10,840 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	48.8%
International students	8.2%	6.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,400	7,036
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Arizona California Washington Illinois Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	64.3%
Dropout rate	6.1%	14.3%
Transferred out	16.7%	19.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Physics (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $88,673 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $127,192 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,426 Year 2: $117,473 Year 3: $122,962 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $110,630 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $104,908 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,116 Year 2: $83,388 Year 3: $98,461 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,677 Year 2: $92,743 Year 3: $98,271 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $96,308 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,806 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $89,884 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,657 Year 2: $73,035 Year 3: $87,557 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,627 Year 2: $79,199 Year 3: $86,387 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,284 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $83,742

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Iowa State University and the University of Arizona?

Iowa State University (ISU) is a public land-grant university located in Ames, Iowa, known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and design programs. The University of Arizona (UA) is a public research university in Tucson, Arizona, recognized for its strengths in astronomy, optical sciences, and biosciences. ISU experiences a traditional four-season climate, while UA enjoys a warmer, desert climate. ISU tends to have a more Midwestern feel, while UA has a Southwestern vibe.
Which university is larger, Iowa State or University of Arizona?

The University of Arizona generally has a slightly larger student body than Iowa State University. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, UA typically enrolls more undergraduate and graduate students overall.
How do the academic reputations of Iowa State and University of Arizona compare?

Both Iowa State and the University of Arizona are well-regarded public universities. Iowa State excels in STEM fields, particularly engineering and agriculture, and has a strong reputation for its career services. The University of Arizona is known for its research in astronomy, optical sciences, and biosciences, and offers a broader range of programs in the humanities and social sciences. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the typical cost of attendance at Iowa State University versus the University of Arizona?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, Iowa State University tends to be slightly less expensive for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to the University of Arizona. However, factors like specific programs, scholarships, and living expenses can influence the final cost. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
What are the campus environments like at Iowa State and University of Arizona?

Iowa State University has a classic college town atmosphere in Ames, Iowa. The campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and friendly, welcoming environment. The University of Arizona offers a more urban campus experience in Tucson, Arizona, with a vibrant city surrounding the university. The UA campus has a distinct Southwestern architectural style and a lively social scene.
What types of extracurricular activities and student life are available at each university?

Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. Iowa State has a strong Greek life, numerous student organizations related to academic interests, and a passionate sports culture, especially for football and basketball. The University of Arizona also has a vibrant Greek life, a diverse array of clubs and organizations, and a strong emphasis on outdoor activities due to its proximity to mountains and desert landscapes. Both schools offer ample opportunities for student involvement.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Iowa State and University of Arizona?

Both universities provide comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Iowa State's strong industry connections in engineering and agriculture provide excellent internship and job opportunities in those fields. The University of Arizona benefits from its location in a growing metropolitan area and offers internships in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business. Both universities actively work to connect students with relevant career opportunities.
What are the climates like in Ames, Iowa (Iowa State) and Tucson, Arizona (University of Arizona)?

Ames, Iowa, experiences a four-season climate with cold winters, warm summers, and distinct spring and fall seasons. Expect snow and ice in the winter. Tucson, Arizona, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is limited, and sunshine is abundant throughout the year. If you prefer warmer weather year-round, the University of Arizona might be a better fit.
Which university is better for students interested in space exploration and astronomy?

While both universities offer programs related to space, the University of Arizona is generally considered to be stronger in astronomy and space exploration. UA has a renowned astronomy department, access to world-class observatories, and significant involvement in NASA missions. Iowa State has aerospace engineering programs, but UA's focus on astronomy is more pronounced.
How do the graduation rates compare between Iowa State University and the University of Arizona?

Graduation rates can vary slightly year to year, but generally, Iowa State University tends to have a slightly higher graduation rate than the University of Arizona. This can be influenced by factors such as student demographics, academic programs, and support services offered at each institution. Check the official university websites for the most current graduation rate data.

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