UT Austin vs Iowa State

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: The University of Texas at Austin and Iowa State University. Both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Discover the differences in acceptance rates, tuition fees, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you thrive in a bustling urban environment or prefer a serene college town, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	Iowa State University	The University of Texas at Austin
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Austin, Texas
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%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	28.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1230 - 1500
ACT range	21 - 28	27 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	56.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	26.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	66,077
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	18,994
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	9,060
Yield rate	29.0%	47.7%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	In state: $29,788 Out of state: $59,032
Average net price	$15,422	$16,589
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $11,752 Out of state: $40,996
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	$12,768
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	51.0% Average amount $12,725
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	28.0% Average amount $4,961
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	1.0% Average amount $16,366

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	40,916 Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	11,075 Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	9.2%
International students	8.2%	9.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,400	7,809
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Engineering Multidisciplinary Studies Communication and Journalism Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	87.8%
Dropout rate	6.1%	11.7%
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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $130,952 Year 2: $131,707 Year 3: $149,763 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,716 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $131,523 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,909 Year 2: $120,124 Year 3: $127,068 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $92,526 Year 2: $100,607 Year 3: $120,559 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $109,082 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $119,993 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,247 Year 2: $102,706 Year 3: $108,654 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $87,293 Year 2: $88,723 Year 3: $99,721 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,133 Year 2: $79,558 Year 3: $97,550 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,714 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,999 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,984 Year 2: $80,550 Year 3: $92,064

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and Iowa State University (ISU)?

UT Austin is a large, public research university located in a major metropolitan area (Austin, Texas), known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences. It has a more selective admissions process and a larger student body. Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is also a large public research university, but with a stronger focus on agricultural sciences, engineering, and design. It generally has a less selective admissions process than UT Austin and a more rural setting.
Which university is more selective in its admissions process: UT Austin or Iowa State?

UT Austin is generally more selective than Iowa State University. UT Austin's acceptance rate is typically lower, and admitted students tend to have higher average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs compared to those admitted to Iowa State.
How do the academic reputations of UT Austin and Iowa State compare?

Both UT Austin and Iowa State are well-respected public universities. UT Austin is often ranked higher nationally, particularly in specific programs like engineering, business, and computer science. Iowa State is highly regarded for its programs in agricultural sciences, engineering, and design, and holds a strong regional reputation.
What is the campus environment like at UT Austin versus Iowa State?

UT Austin offers a vibrant, urban campus experience in the heart of Austin, a thriving city known for its music, technology, and outdoor activities. The campus is large and diverse, with a wide range of student organizations and activities. Iowa State provides a more traditional college town atmosphere in Ames, Iowa. The campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and strong sense of community. It's generally considered a more relaxed and less fast-paced environment than UT Austin.
Which university is better for students interested in engineering?

Both UT Austin and Iowa State have strong engineering programs. UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering is highly ranked nationally and offers a wide range of engineering disciplines. Iowa State's College of Engineering is also well-regarded, particularly for its programs in agricultural, aerospace, and mechanical engineering. The 'better' choice depends on the specific engineering discipline and the student's preferred learning environment.
How do the costs of attending UT Austin and Iowa State compare?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status. Generally, UT Austin may be more expensive for out-of-state students compared to Iowa State. However, for in-state students, UT Austin might be more affordable. It's essential to check the most recent tuition and fees information on each university's website and consider factors like financial aid and scholarships.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UT Austin versus Iowa State?

Graduates from both universities have access to diverse career opportunities. UT Austin's location in Austin provides access to a thriving tech industry and a strong job market in various sectors. Iowa State graduates often find opportunities in the Midwest, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and manufacturing. Both universities have strong career services departments to assist students with internships and job placement.
Which university has a stronger focus on research?

Both UT Austin and Iowa State are major research universities. UT Austin is a Tier One research institution with a significant emphasis on research across various disciplines. Iowa State also has a strong research focus, particularly in areas related to agriculture, engineering, and science and technology. The scale and scope of research activities at UT Austin are generally larger due to its size and funding.
How do the student populations differ between UT Austin and Iowa State?

UT Austin has a larger and more diverse student population compared to Iowa State. UT Austin attracts students from all over the world and from diverse backgrounds within Texas. Iowa State's student body is also diverse, but it draws a larger proportion of students from the Midwest region. UT Austin's larger size contributes to a more varied range of perspectives and experiences within the student body.
What are some unique aspects of UT Austin and Iowa State that might appeal to students?

UT Austin offers a vibrant city life, a strong connection to the tech industry, and a diverse cultural scene. Its location in Austin provides access to numerous entertainment options and outdoor activities. Iowa State offers a close-knit community, a beautiful campus, and a strong tradition in agricultural sciences and engineering. Its more relaxed atmosphere and focus on practical learning may appeal to students seeking a more traditional college experience.

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