Iowa State vs University of Delaware (UDel)

Iowa State University and University of Delaware, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Iowa State, nestled in the heartland of Ames, Iowa, boasts a strong focus on agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, while the University of Delaware, situated in the vibrant city of Newark, Delaware, excels in business, engineering, and health sciences. With acceptance rates of 84% and 72% respectively, both universities welcome a diverse student body, creating a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives. While Iowa State's student population leans slightly more towards males, the University of Delaware 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 academic home for your educational journey.

	Iowa State University	University of Delaware
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Newark, Delaware
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	88.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	72.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1155 - 1340
ACT range	21 - 28	26 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	31.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	6.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	34,111
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	24,679
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	4,617
Yield rate	29.0%	18.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	In state: $31,562 Out of state: $53,422
Average net price	$15,422	$19,122
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $12,980 Out of state: $34,840
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $8,316 Meal plan: $5,426
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	86.0% Average amount $12,410
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	48.0% Average amount $5,217
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	8.0% Average amount $19,017

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	19,410 Men 41.9% Women 58.1%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	4,586 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	63.0%
International students	8.2%	10.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,400	6,911
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Delaware New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Education Health Professions Liberal Arts Business
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	82.3%
Dropout rate	6.1%	15.7%
Transferred out	16.7%	N/A
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	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,538 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $88,641 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,960 Year 2: $86,424 Year 3: $84,710 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $72,283 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $77,585 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,769 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $77,043 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,848 Year 2: $62,491 Year 3: $76,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,752 Year 2: $68,698 Year 3: $75,052 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,605 Year 2: $62,632 Year 3: $74,317 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,693 Year 2: $66,401 Year 3: $73,424 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,395 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $73,270 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,257 Year 2: $60,552 Year 3: $73,189

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Iowa State University (ISU) is a large, public land-grant university located in Ames, Iowa, known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and design programs. The University of Delaware (UD) is a mid-sized, public land-grant and sea-grant university in Newark, Delaware, with strengths in business, engineering, and health sciences. ISU tends to have a more rural, Midwestern feel, while UD offers a more Northeastern, suburban environment. UD also has a stronger focus on undergraduate education relative to research compared to ISU.
Which university is larger, Iowa State or Delaware?

Iowa State University is significantly larger than the University of Delaware. ISU typically has a total enrollment exceeding 30,000 students, while UD's enrollment is usually around 25,000. This difference in size can impact class sizes, campus atmosphere, and the availability of resources.
How do the academic reputations of Iowa State and Delaware compare?

Both Iowa State and the University of Delaware are well-regarded public universities. Iowa State is particularly strong in STEM fields, especially engineering and agriculture, and has a strong research focus. The University of Delaware is also strong in engineering and has a highly ranked business school, as well as notable programs in health sciences and public policy. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
What is the campus environment like at Iowa State versus Delaware?

Iowa State's campus is located in Ames, Iowa, a college town with a strong Midwestern feel. The campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and friendly atmosphere. The University of Delaware is situated in Newark, Delaware, a suburban town with easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City. UD's campus has a more traditional East Coast college feel.
How do the costs of attending Iowa State and Delaware compare?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status. Generally, Iowa State is more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to the University of Delaware. However, it's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website, as well as explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities, to determine the actual cost for your specific situation.
What are the popular majors at Iowa State and Delaware?

At Iowa State, popular majors include engineering (especially aerospace, mechanical, and agricultural), agriculture, business, and design. At the University of Delaware, popular majors include business, engineering (chemical and mechanical), nursing, biological sciences, and psychology. Both universities offer a diverse range of programs, but these are some of their most sought-after fields of study.
What are the athletic programs like at Iowa State and Delaware?

Both Iowa State and the University of Delaware have strong athletic programs. Iowa State competes in the Big 12 Conference (NCAA Division I) and is known for its wrestling, football, and basketball programs. The University of Delaware competes in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) (NCAA Division I FCS for football) and has successful programs in football, basketball, and lacrosse. Both schools offer a vibrant athletic atmosphere for students and fans.
What kind of research opportunities are available at Iowa State and Delaware?

Both Iowa State and the University of Delaware are research universities, offering numerous opportunities for students to get involved in research. Iowa State has extensive research facilities, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and materials science. The University of Delaware also has strong research programs, especially in areas like energy, environmental science, and health sciences. Students can find research opportunities through faculty connections, departmental programs, and university-wide initiatives.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between the two universities?

Both Iowa State and the University of Delaware offer comprehensive career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. Iowa State's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with companies in the Midwest, especially in engineering and agriculture. The University of Delaware's career services have strong connections to companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in business, finance, and healthcare. Both universities host career fairs, offer resume and interview workshops, and provide online job boards.
Which university is better for international students?

Both Iowa State and the University of Delaware welcome international students and provide resources to support their academic and personal success. Iowa State has a large international student population, particularly in STEM fields. The University of Delaware also has a diverse international student body and offers programs to help international students adjust to life in the United States. The 'better' choice depends on the specific program of study and the student's preferred location and campus environment.

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