University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) vs Iowa State

Nestled in the heartland of the United States, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Iowa State University (ISU) stand as two prominent public research universities, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. UNL boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. ISU, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong focus on student retention and completion. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Iowa State University	University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Lincoln, Nebraska
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%	80.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	81.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1090 - 1320
ACT range	21 - 28	22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	8.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	85.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	17,775
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	14,411
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	4,736
Yield rate	29.0%	32.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not 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: $26,316 Out of state: $43,446
Average net price	$15,422	$18,403
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $7,770 Out of state: $24,900
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $7,485 Meal plan: $4,653
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	96.0% Average amount $8,608
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	34.0% Average amount $4,691
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	5.0% Average amount $13,909

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	19,552 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	4,879 Men 49.2% Women 50.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	25.7%
International students	8.2%	7.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,400	6,936
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Nebraska Illinois Minnesota Kansas Iowa

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	66.4%
Dropout rate	6.1%	10.7%
Transferred out	16.7%	21.4%
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 Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,695 Year 2: $91,017 Year 3: $102,607 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,888 Year 2: $78,134 Year 3: $86,893 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,533 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $86,584 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,494 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $78,265 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,969 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $75,873 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,040 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $74,823 Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $72,325 Year 3: $73,798 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,124 Year 2: $58,402 Year 3: $73,111 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,572 Year 2: $66,168 Year 3: $72,183 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,299 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $71,063

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic strengths of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) compared to Iowa State University (ISU)?

UNL is particularly strong in agricultural sciences, engineering, and business, with notable programs in actuarial science and journalism. ISU excels in engineering, agriculture, design, and veterinary medicine. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but your specific academic interests should guide your decision. Consider the faculty, research opportunities, and specific program rankings within your field of study.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UNL and ISU?

Generally, the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable between UNL and ISU for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition may vary slightly. It's essential to check the most current tuition and fee schedules on each university's website and factor in potential scholarships and financial aid packages to determine the net cost.
What is the campus environment like at UNL versus ISU?

Both universities offer a classic Midwestern college experience. UNL's campus is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, a state capital, providing a blend of a traditional college town feel with access to city amenities. ISU, located in Ames, Iowa, has a strong sense of community and a vibrant campus life. Both campuses are known for their friendly atmospheres and active student organizations.
How do the research opportunities differ at UNL and ISU?

Both UNL and ISU are major research institutions with significant research funding. ISU is particularly renowned for its research in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. UNL has strong research programs in areas like agricultural sciences, engineering, and humanities. The availability of research opportunities for undergraduates is excellent at both universities, so explore the specific research interests of faculty in your field of study.
What are the athletic programs like at UNL and ISU?

Both universities have strong athletic programs and compete in the Big 12 Conference. UNL's football program is historically very successful, and the university has a strong tradition in other sports. ISU also has a competitive football program and is known for its success in wrestling and other sports. Both schools offer a vibrant athletic atmosphere and a strong sense of school spirit.
How does the student life and extracurricular activities compare at UNL and ISU?

Both universities offer a wide array of student organizations, clubs, and activities. UNL has a diverse student body and a variety of cultural and social events. ISU has a strong emphasis on student involvement and offers numerous opportunities for leadership and community engagement. Consider your personal interests and the types of activities you enjoy when evaluating student life at each university.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at UNL and ISU?

Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job placement. Graduates from both institutions are highly sought after by employers in various fields. Job placement rates are generally strong for graduates from both universities, particularly in fields related to their academic strengths. Research the specific career services offered by each university to see which best aligns with your career goals.
How does the location of UNL and ISU impact the student experience?

UNL is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, a state capital with a growing economy and a range of cultural and recreational opportunities. ISU is located in Ames, Iowa, a smaller city with a strong college-town atmosphere and a focus on agriculture and technology. Consider your preference for city size, access to cultural events, and proximity to other cities when evaluating the location of each university.
Are there any specific programs or initiatives that set UNL apart from ISU?

UNL has a strong focus on its Honors Program and its programs in agricultural sciences and journalism. ISU is known for its design programs, its veterinary medicine program, and its leadership development initiatives. Research specific programs and initiatives that align with your academic and personal interests to determine which university is a better fit.
How can I decide which university is the best fit for me, UNL or ISU?

Consider your academic interests, career goals, preferred campus environment, and financial situation. Research the specific programs, faculty, and research opportunities at each university. Visit both campuses if possible, and talk to current students and alumni. Ultimately, the best university for you is the one that best aligns with your individual needs and aspirations.

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