IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMES, IA
Did you know it was a Cyclone that created rice krispie treats? This original land grant college is full of surprises! Located in the beautiful midwestern city of Ames, Iowa State has a lot to offer including an excellent engineering program, impressive five floor maker space that is open to all students, and tons of school spirit.
• Public
• Undergraduate enrollment – 25,000
• Admit rate – 90%
• Financial Aid forms required – FAFSA
• Retention rate – 86%
• Student to faculty ratio – 9:1
CURRICULUM
• Newer programs include a major in Sports Media & Communication, Game Design and minor in Artificial Intelligence
• Popular majors/programs include Agriculture, Engineering, Supply Chain Management
• Students are admitted directly to a major
• There are no caps on majors, except Design where all first years enter as “pre” majors
• First years can apply for architecture, no portfolio required
• All students take foundational classes to build written and quantitative skills as well as a class in diversity
• Cross over schools include the University of Iowa and Purdue
STUDENT BODY
• 90% of student reside on campus and there is no residential requirement
• Seek community minded students with a focus on purpose, cooperation and respect
• Offers 800 clubs including Broomball and Battleship H2O where students take the classic board game to the pool
• Students enjoy cheering on the Cyclones
• All 50 states are represented with 50% from Iowa and about 23% are from the greater region
• About 1/3 of students participate in Greek Life and some of the Divine 9 are present
• Sororities rush before classes begin. Men’s rush is less formal
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
• Admissions is primarily focused on a mandated formula known as the RAI score which focuses on test scores and core course GPA. If Iowans meet the minimum they are offered automatic admission
• Out of state students are considered using the same index
• Any students may apply test optional and will be reviewed holistically
• There are no required essays or letters of recommendation
FINANCIALS
• Offers both Merit and Need based aid
• International students are also eligible for merit