Kettering University vs Iowa State

Kettering University and Iowa State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Kettering, a private university in Flint, Michigan, boasts a 90% acceptance rate and is renowned for its cooperative education program, which seamlessly integrates classroom learning with real-world work experience. Iowa State, a public university in Ames, Iowa, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 84% and is known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs. While Kettering's student body is predominantly male (70%), Iowa State has a more balanced gender ratio, with 53% female and 47% male students. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with Kettering specializing in engineering, business, and nursing, and Iowa State excelling in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about these universities' unique strengths and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and career goals

	Iowa State University	Kettering University
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Flint, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	88.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	85.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1140 - 1340
ACT range	21 - 28	25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	59.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	17.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	1,777
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	1,521
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	305
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	$58,080
Average net price	$15,422	$34,760
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	$44,380
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $5,100 Meal plan: $3,300
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	100.0% Average amount $23,320
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	84.0% Average amount $5,563
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	17.0% Average amount $21,569

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	1,516 Men 79.0% Women 21.0%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	342 Men 78.4% Women 21.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	8.2%	6.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	9,400	437
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Engineering Computer and Information Science Engineering Technologies Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	69.6%
Dropout rate	6.1%	29.0%
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	Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,767 Year 2: $114,595 Year 3: $121,468 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,787 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $111,080 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,471 Year 2: $80,255 Year 3: $85,093 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,274 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $84,585 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,900 Year 2: $78,612 Year 3: $84,558 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $77,610 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,152 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: N/A Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,914 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Engineering Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $54,713 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Kettering University and Iowa State University?

Kettering University is renowned for its strong emphasis on STEM fields, particularly engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics, with a focus on experiential learning through co-op programs. Iowa State University offers a broader range of programs, including strong engineering, agriculture, design, and liberal arts colleges, providing a more diverse academic environment.
How do the co-op programs at Kettering University and Iowa State University differ?

Kettering University's co-op program is a core component of its curriculum, requiring students to alternate between academic terms and paid work experiences. This provides extensive practical experience. Iowa State University offers co-op and internship opportunities, but they are not mandatory for all programs, allowing for more flexibility in students' academic paths.
What is the typical campus environment like at Kettering University and Iowa State University?

Kettering University has a smaller, more intimate campus environment, fostering a close-knit community among students and faculty. Iowa State University boasts a large, vibrant campus with a traditional college town atmosphere, offering a wider array of social and extracurricular activities.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Kettering University and Iowa State University?

Generally, Kettering University has a higher tuition cost compared to Iowa State University. However, the cost can vary depending on residency status, financial aid, and scholarships. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fees for each university on their respective websites for the most up-to-date information.
What are the research opportunities like at Kettering University and Iowa State University?

Iowa State University, being a large research institution, offers extensive research opportunities across various disciplines, including state-of-the-art facilities and funding. Kettering University also provides research opportunities, particularly in engineering and applied sciences, though on a smaller scale, often integrated with industry partnerships.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Kettering University and Iowa State University?

Kettering University typically has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction with professors. Iowa State University, with its larger student body, has a higher student-to-faculty ratio, though it still offers opportunities for student-faculty interaction.
How do the career services and placement rates compare at Kettering University and Iowa State University?

Both universities have career services departments to assist students with job searching and career development. Kettering University's co-op program often leads to high placement rates and strong industry connections. Iowa State University also has strong career services, with a wide network of alumni and industry partners, particularly in its core fields.
What are the main differences in campus culture and student life?

Kettering University fosters a highly focused and driven student culture, centered around academics and professional development. Iowa State University offers a more diverse and traditional college experience, with a wide range of student organizations, Division I athletics, and social events.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific engineering discipline?

Both universities have strong engineering programs. Kettering University is particularly well-suited for students seeking a highly practical, hands-on engineering education with extensive co-op experience. Iowa State University offers a broader range of engineering disciplines and research opportunities, making it a good choice for students with diverse interests within engineering.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Kettering University is located in Flint, Michigan, providing access to automotive and manufacturing industries. Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa, a college town with a strong agricultural and engineering presence. The location influences the available internship and job opportunities, as well as the overall lifestyle and social environment.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Iowa State

University of Arizona