Utah State University (USU) vs Iowa State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Logan, Utah, and Ames, Iowa, home to Utah State University (USU) and Iowa State University (ISU), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they offer distinct experiences. USU boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while ISU's smaller size fosters a close-knit community. Explore their contrasting popular majors, from USU's strength in engineering and ISU's focus on agriculture and veterinary medicine. Discover the nuances in their graduation rates and uncover which university aligns best with your aspirations. Delve into the comparison table to unveil further insights and make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Iowa State University	Utah State University
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Logan, Utah
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
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%	74.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	92.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $55
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1080 - 1310
ACT range	21 - 28	21 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	79.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	15,567
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	14,420
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	4,223
Yield rate	29.0%	29.3%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	In state: $22,168 Out of state: $37,288
Average net price	$15,422	$14,529
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $8,042 Out of state: $23,162
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	Room/dormitory: $2,410 Meal plan: $3,630
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	86.0% Average amount $9,802
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	19.0% Average amount $4,808
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	2.0% Average amount $13,673

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	24,255 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	3,171 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	29.5%
International students	8.2%	1.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	9,400	3,125
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Utah Idaho California Colorado Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	55.8%
Dropout rate	6.1%	42.1%
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	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,930 Year 3: $91,309 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,921 Year 2: $72,587 Year 3: $83,986 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,635 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $80,718 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,903 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,293 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,345 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $75,576 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,935 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $75,056 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,303 Year 2: $58,334 Year 3: $72,352 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,967 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,503 Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,228 Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: $70,839 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,717 Year 2: $61,728 Year 3: $69,682

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Utah State University (USU) and Iowa State University (ISU)?

Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university located in Logan, Utah, known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and natural resources. It has a smaller, more intimate campus environment compared to Iowa State. Iowa State University (ISU), located in Ames, Iowa, is also a public land-grant research university, but it's significantly larger and offers a broader range of programs, including a renowned College of Engineering and a strong presence in agriculture and design. ISU generally has a higher overall enrollment and a more diverse student body.
Which university is larger, USU or ISU?

Iowa State University (ISU) is significantly larger than Utah State University (USU). ISU typically has an undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000 students, while USU's undergraduate enrollment is usually around 20,000. This difference in size impacts campus life, class sizes, and the availability of resources.
How do the academic reputations of USU and ISU compare?

Both Utah State University (USU) and Iowa State University (ISU) are respected land-grant institutions. Iowa State University generally holds a slightly higher national ranking, particularly in engineering and design programs. Utah State University is well-regarded for its programs in agriculture, natural resources, and aerospace engineering. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific field of study.
What are the tuition costs like at USU versus ISU?

Tuition costs vary depending on residency. Generally, for in-state students, Utah State University (USU) may have slightly lower tuition rates compared to Iowa State University (ISU). However, out-of-state tuition at USU can be competitive. It's essential to check the most current tuition rates on each university's official website, as these figures can change annually. Also, consider the overall cost of living in Logan, Utah, versus Ames, Iowa.
What is campus life like at USU and ISU?

Utah State University (USU) offers a more close-knit campus environment due to its smaller size. It's known for its strong outdoor recreation opportunities, given its proximity to mountains and national parks. Iowa State University (ISU) has a more vibrant and diverse campus life with a wider range of student organizations, clubs, and activities. ISU's larger size contributes to a more bustling and energetic atmosphere.
What are the strengths of USU's academic programs?

Utah State University (USU) excels in programs related to agriculture, natural resources, aerospace engineering, and outdoor recreation. Its College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is particularly strong, and its location provides unique opportunities for research and hands-on experience in these fields.
What are the strengths of ISU's academic programs?

Iowa State University (ISU) is renowned for its College of Engineering, which offers a wide array of engineering disciplines. It also has strong programs in agriculture, design, and business. ISU's research facilities and industry partnerships are significant assets for students in these fields.
How do the locations of USU and ISU differ?

Utah State University (USU) is located in Logan, Utah, a smaller city nestled in the Cache Valley, surrounded by mountains. This location provides easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. Iowa State University (ISU) is located in Ames, Iowa, a larger college town with a more central location within the state. Ames offers a more traditional Midwestern college town experience.
What kind of student would thrive at USU?

A student who enjoys a smaller, more community-oriented campus, and who is passionate about outdoor recreation and fields like agriculture, natural resources, or aerospace engineering, would likely thrive at Utah State University (USU).
What kind of student would thrive at ISU?

A student who prefers a larger, more diverse university with a wide range of academic and extracurricular options, and who is interested in fields like engineering, design, or business, would likely thrive at Iowa State University (ISU).
Are there any notable research opportunities at USU and ISU?

Yes, both Utah State University (USU) and Iowa State University (ISU) are land-grant research universities with ample research opportunities. USU has strong research programs in areas like aerospace, agriculture, and water resources. ISU has extensive research facilities and programs, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and materials science. Students at both universities can get involved in research projects with faculty.
How do the career services at USU and ISU compare?

Both Utah State University (USU) and Iowa State University (ISU) offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, internship assistance, and job fairs. Iowa State University, due to its larger size and broader range of programs, may have a slightly larger network of employers and internship opportunities. However, USU's career services are tailored to its specific academic strengths and regional employers.

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