Mizzou vs Iowa State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Columbia, Missouri, and Ames, Iowa, home to the esteemed University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and Iowa State University (ISU), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they possess distinct characteristics that cater to different student aspirations. Mizzou boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader spectrum of students, while ISU's selectivity ensures a more competitive academic environment. Explore the nuances of each institution, from their popular majors and student demographics to their graduation rates, meticulously presented in the comparison table below. Discover which university aligns best with your academic pursuits, personal preferences, and future goals.

	Iowa State University	University of Missouri-Columbia
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Columbia, Missouri
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
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%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	76.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1130 - 1350
ACT range	21 - 28	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	72.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	19,966
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	15,283
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	4,843
Yield rate	29.0%	31.7%
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: $27,977 Out of state: $46,952
Average net price	$15,422	$18,249
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $10,017 Out of state: $28,992
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $6,710 Meal plan: $3,500
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	85.0% Average amount $11,312
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	36.0% Average amount $5,270
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	8.0% Average amount $16,554

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	23,696 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	7,705 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	31.0%
International students	8.2%	4.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	9,400	6,898
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Missouri Illinois Texas Kansas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Ethnic Studies Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	72.5%
Dropout rate	6.1%	26.8%
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 (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $93,333 Year 2: $100,008 Year 3: $104,573 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,087 Year 2: $80,628 Year 3: $96,108 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $93,226 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,803 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,805 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,511 Year 2: $81,210 Year 3: $81,536 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,866 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $79,864 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,895 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $79,424 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,907 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $78,960 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,579 Year 2: $69,897 Year 3: $78,050 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,571 Year 2: $66,004 Year 3: $74,926

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and Iowa State University (ISU)?

Mizzou, located in Columbia, Missouri, is known for its strong journalism program and a more traditional, SEC college town atmosphere. Iowa State, situated in Ames, Iowa, excels in STEM fields, particularly engineering and agriculture, and offers a more research-focused environment. Mizzou tends to have a slightly larger student body and a stronger emphasis on Greek life, while Iowa State boasts a more diverse range of academic programs and a greater focus on innovation and technology.
Which university is better for students interested in journalism or communications?

The University of Missouri-Columbia is widely recognized for its prestigious School of Journalism, often considered one of the best in the nation. If you're passionate about journalism, strategic communication, or related fields, Mizzou would likely be the better choice. Iowa State offers communication programs, but they are not as nationally renowned as Mizzou's.
Which university is stronger in STEM fields like engineering and agriculture?

Iowa State University has a strong reputation in STEM, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and related sciences. Their engineering programs are highly ranked, and they have extensive research facilities and opportunities in these areas. While Mizzou also offers STEM programs, Iowa State is generally considered to be the stronger choice for students focused on these disciplines.
How do the campus environments and college town experiences compare?

Mizzou offers a classic SEC college town experience with a vibrant social scene centered around Greek life and athletics. Columbia, Missouri, is a lively city with a strong college presence. Iowa State provides a more research-oriented and academically focused environment. Ames, Iowa, is a smaller, more laid-back college town with a strong sense of community. The 'best' environment depends on your personal preferences.
What are the differences in tuition and cost of living between Mizzou and Iowa State?

Tuition and cost of living can vary depending on residency status and lifestyle. Generally, Iowa State may have a slightly lower overall cost of attendance for in-state students. However, it's crucial to check the most up-to-date tuition rates and cost of living estimates on each university's website, as these figures can change annually. Consider factors like housing, food, and transportation when comparing costs.
How do the student bodies differ in terms of size and diversity?

Mizzou typically has a slightly larger student body compared to Iowa State. Both universities attract students from across the United States and internationally. While both institutions are working to improve diversity, Iowa State generally has a slightly more diverse student population, particularly in terms of international students and representation in STEM fields.
What types of research opportunities are available at each university?

Both Mizzou and Iowa State offer a wide range of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Iowa State is particularly strong in agricultural, engineering, and scientific research, with numerous research centers and institutes. Mizzou offers research opportunities across various disciplines, including journalism, medicine, and agriculture. Students should explore specific departments and faculty to find research opportunities that align with their interests.
Which university has a stronger athletic program?

Both Mizzou and Iowa State have competitive athletic programs. Mizzou competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its strong football and basketball programs. Iowa State competes in the Big 12 Conference, with notable programs in football, basketball, and wrestling. The 'stronger' program depends on the specific sport you're interested in, but Mizzou's SEC affiliation often gives it a higher profile in football and basketball.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both universities offer career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. Iowa State's strong industry connections in STEM fields provide ample internship opportunities in engineering, agriculture, and technology. Mizzou's location and strong journalism program offer internship opportunities in media, communications, and related fields. Both universities also have career fairs and networking events to connect students with potential employers.
What are the admission requirements for Mizzou and Iowa State?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic record. Generally, both universities consider GPA, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and extracurricular activities. Iowa State may place a slightly greater emphasis on STEM-related coursework for engineering and science programs. It's best to check the specific admission requirements for your desired program on each university's website.

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