University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) vs Iowa State

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Iowa State University. While both institutions offer exceptional educational opportunities, 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. Explore the unique strengths of each university and determine which aligns best with your aspirations and goals. Whether you seek a vibrant campus life, a specific academic program, or a supportive learning environment, this comparison will guide you towards making an informed decision that shapes your future.

	Iowa State University	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Whitewater, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	Town: Distant
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%	75.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	83.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $56
SAT range	1083 - 1330	N/A
ACT range	21 - 28	18 - 24
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	76.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	8,930
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	7,409
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	2,127
Yield rate	29.0%	28.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	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: $19,220 Out of state: $28,092
Average net price	$15,422	$12,754
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $6,519 Out of state: $15,391
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $5,435 Meal plan: $2,724
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	60.0% Average amount $4,159
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	53.0% Average amount $5,006
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	9.0% Average amount $9,886

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	9,751 Men 51.3% Women 48.7%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	1,695 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	15.8%
International students	8.2%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	9,400	4,346
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Indiana Washington

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Education Business Liberal Arts Social Sciences Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	63.5%
Dropout rate	6.1%	35.3%
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/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,815 Year 2: $74,874 Year 3: $78,599 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,402 Year 2: $59,576 Year 3: $70,353 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,113 Year 2: $57,650 Year 3: $65,330 Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,418 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $63,878 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,237 Year 2: $53,308 Year 3: $60,902 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,038 Year 2: $49,324 Year 3: $57,300 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,100 Year 2: $49,563 Year 3: $54,280 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,565 Year 2: $47,327 Year 3: $52,159 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,771 Year 2: $46,254 Year 3: $49,087 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $39,425 Year 2: $42,905 Year 3: $48,083

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in size and student body between University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Iowa State University?

Iowa State University is significantly larger than University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Iowa State has a much larger student population, offering a broader range of academic and social opportunities. UW-Whitewater, while still a substantial university, provides a more intimate campus environment, which can be beneficial for students seeking closer interaction with faculty and a stronger sense of community.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Whitewater and Iowa State?

Iowa State University offers a wider array of programs, including many doctoral programs and specialized research opportunities, reflecting its status as a major research university. UW-Whitewater excels in specific areas, particularly business, education, and communications, and provides a strong foundation in these fields. Both universities offer a solid core curriculum, but the depth and breadth of programs at Iowa State are greater.
What is the cost of attendance like at each university?

Generally, the cost of attendance at UW-Whitewater is lower than at Iowa State University, especially for in-state students. However, tuition and fees can vary depending on the specific program and residency status. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information, including potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
How does the campus environment and student life differ?

Iowa State University has a vibrant campus life with a wide variety of student organizations, Greek life, and Division I athletics, creating a bustling atmosphere. UW-Whitewater also offers a robust student life, but with a more close-knit feel. The campus is known for its strong sense of community and active involvement in campus activities. The choice depends on whether you prefer a large, diverse campus or a more intimate setting.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of each university?

Graduates from both universities are successful in their respective fields. Iowa State graduates often find opportunities in engineering, agriculture, and other STEM fields, as well as in a wide range of other industries. UW-Whitewater graduates are well-prepared for careers in business, education, and communications, with strong regional and national job placement rates. Career services at both universities provide resources for job searching, internships, and career development.
How do the research opportunities compare?

Iowa State University, being a major research institution, offers significantly more extensive research opportunities, including access to advanced labs, funding, and faculty expertise. UW-Whitewater provides research opportunities, particularly for undergraduates, but the scope and scale are smaller. Students interested in intensive research should strongly consider Iowa State.
What are the athletic programs like at each university?

Iowa State University competes at the Division I level in a variety of sports, offering a high level of competition and a strong athletic culture. UW-Whitewater is a Division III school, known for its successful football and other sports programs. While the level of competition differs, both universities provide opportunities for students to participate in athletics and support their teams.
How does the location and surrounding community influence the college experience?

Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa, a mid-sized city with a strong college-town atmosphere. UW-Whitewater is located in Whitewater, Wisconsin, a smaller town with a more rural feel. Both locations offer a safe environment and access to amenities, but the surrounding communities provide different cultural and social experiences. Consider what type of environment you prefer when making your decision.
What are the housing options like at each university?

Both universities offer a variety of housing options, including residence halls and apartments. Iowa State University has a larger selection of on-campus housing to accommodate its larger student body. UW-Whitewater also provides a range of housing choices, often with a focus on creating a strong sense of community within the residence halls. Check the university websites for details on specific housing options, costs, and application processes.
Which university is better for a student seeking a strong business program?

Both universities offer strong business programs. UW-Whitewater's College of Business and Economics is highly regarded and known for its focus on practical skills and career preparation. Iowa State's Ivy College of Business is also well-respected and offers a broader range of specializations and research opportunities. The best choice depends on your specific interests and career goals. Consider the curriculum, faculty expertise, and available resources when making your decision.

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