UH Manoa vs Iowa State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant culture of Honolulu or surrounded by the rolling hills of Ames, Iowa. The University of Hawaii at Manoa and Iowa State University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, beckon you to embark on a transformative educational journey. While both universities offer a wealth of opportunities, they possess unique characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that define each university, from their acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates. Discover which destination aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, propelling you towards a future brimming with possibilities.

	Iowa State University	University of Hawaii at Manoa
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Honolulu, Hawaii
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	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	70.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $100
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1080 - 1290
ACT range	21 - 28	20 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	3.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	6.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	19,607
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	13,721
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	2,939
Yield rate	29.0%	21.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	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: $29,920 Out of state: $51,952
Average net price	$15,422	$14,825
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $11,304 Out of state: $33,336
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $6,301 Meal plan: $5,740
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	71.0% Average amount $7,986
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	28.0% Average amount $4,882
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	3.0% Average amount $15,150

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	14,120 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	4,978 Men 37.8% Women 62.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	45.8%
International students	8.2%	6.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,400	3,272
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Hawaii California Washington Colorado Oregon

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Education Health Professions Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	58.9%
Dropout rate	6.1%	37.8%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,132 Year 2: $100,404 Year 3: $108,069 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,721 Year 2: $70,710 Year 3: $86,326 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,904 Year 2: $78,719 Year 3: $78,917 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,009 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $78,040 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,964 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $77,099 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,810 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $74,485 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $62,647 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $70,269 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $59,804 Year 2: $58,856 Year 3: $69,738 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,892 Year 2: $63,600 Year 3: $67,721 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,728 Year 3: $66,155

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Iowa State University?

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, offering a vibrant urban setting with a tropical climate and close proximity to beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Iowa State University (ISU) is situated in Ames, Iowa, a more traditional college town with a Midwestern climate characterized by distinct seasons. UH Manoa provides a unique cultural experience influenced by Polynesian traditions, while ISU offers a classic American college town atmosphere.
How do the academic strengths of UH Manoa and Iowa State University compare?

UH Manoa is particularly strong in areas like Oceanography, Marine Biology, Asian Studies, and Hawaiian/Pacific Studies, leveraging its unique geographical location and cultural heritage. Iowa State University excels in Engineering, Agriculture, Design, and Veterinary Medicine, reflecting its land-grant university status and focus on practical, applied sciences. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but their areas of national prominence differ significantly.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between UH Manoa and Iowa State University?

Generally, UH Manoa is more expensive for out-of-state students due to higher tuition fees and the overall cost of living in Hawaii. Iowa State University tends to be more affordable, especially for in-state students, with a lower cost of living in Ames, Iowa. However, tuition and fees can change, so it's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information.
How do the student demographics and campus culture differ between the two universities?

UH Manoa has a highly diverse student body, reflecting Hawaii's multicultural population, with a significant representation of Asian and Pacific Islander students. Iowa State University's student body is predominantly white, with a growing international student population. UH Manoa's campus culture is influenced by Hawaiian values and traditions, while ISU's culture is more aligned with traditional Midwestern values and a strong emphasis on school spirit and athletics.
What are the research opportunities like at UH Manoa and Iowa State University?

Both universities are research institutions, but their research focuses differ. UH Manoa offers unique research opportunities in areas like oceanography, volcanology, and tropical agriculture, taking advantage of its location. Iowa State University is a leader in agricultural research, engineering, and materials science. Students at both universities have access to research labs, funding opportunities, and faculty mentorship.
How do the career opportunities after graduation differ for students of UH Manoa and Iowa State University?

Career opportunities for UH Manoa graduates are often concentrated in Hawaii and the Pacific region, with strengths in tourism, hospitality, government, and marine-related industries. Iowa State University graduates find opportunities primarily in the Midwest and across the nation, particularly in engineering, agriculture, technology, and business. Your career prospects will depend on your major and career goals, but the location of each university influences the local job market.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at UH Manoa and Iowa State University, and how does this impact the learning environment?

The student-to-faculty ratio at UH Manoa is around 13:1, while at Iowa State University, it's approximately 19:1. A lower student-to-faculty ratio, like at UH Manoa, can potentially lead to smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from professors. However, both universities offer various resources and support systems to ensure students have access to academic assistance and guidance.
How do the athletic programs compare between UH Manoa and Iowa State University?

UH Manoa's athletic teams, the Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine, compete in the Big West Conference (for most sports) and the Mountain West Conference (for football). Iowa State University's Cyclones compete in the Big 12 Conference, a Power Five conference. ISU has a stronger national profile in sports like football and basketball, while UH Manoa is known for volleyball and other sports. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

UH Manoa offers a vibrant student life with a strong emphasis on Hawaiian culture, including hula clubs, Polynesian cultural events, and outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. Iowa State University has a more traditional college town atmosphere with numerous student organizations, Greek life, and a strong focus on campus traditions and events. Both universities offer a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to cater to diverse interests.
How does the surrounding community impact the student experience at UH Manoa and Iowa State University?

UH Manoa's location in Honolulu provides students with access to a major city with diverse cultural experiences, entertainment options, and beautiful natural landscapes. Iowa State University's location in Ames offers a more close-knit community feel, with a focus on campus life and local events. The surrounding community at UH Manoa is more urban and diverse, while the community at ISU is more traditional and college-oriented.

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