Iowa State University is a leading land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa, offering exceptional value with strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and the sciences. It is particularly recognized for agricultural engineering and veterinary medicine, and its affordable tuition makes it one of the best deals in the Midwest for STEM education.
Mascot: Cyclone
Notable Alumni
George Washington Carver (pioneering agricultural scientist)•Carrie Chapman Catt (women's suffrage leader)•Dan Gable (Olympic gold medalist wrestler)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Iowa State in Ames delivers a classic Midwestern Big 12 experience — Welch Avenue is the social strip, and Cyclone football tailgating at Jack Trice Stadium anchors the fall social calendar. Greek life has a small but socially relevant presence without being exclusionary. The engineering and agriculture programs are demanding, but the overall campus vibe is friendly, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming in that distinctly Iowa way.
A well-maintained 1,900-acre campus with one of the nation's largest public art collections and thousands of mature trees and shrubs across rolling grounds. The architecture is a serviceable mix of eras without a strong unifying theme, but the careful landscaping and open spaces make it pleasant and inviting.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Iowa State provides late-night transportation, electronically secured dorms, and a responsive campus police force. Most reported incidents are alcohol-related disciplinary actions.
Ames is a safe college town with a violent crime rate well below the national average. The community surrounding campus is quiet and family-friendly.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Most weekdays year-round; Experience Iowa State enhanced visits on select dates
Duration: ~2 hours (enrollment presentation + campus walking tour)
Daily Campus Visits include enrollment presentation and tour. Experience Iowa State adds interest sessions, academic talks, and more. Register 5+ business days in advance. Contact: 515-294-5836.
Book a TourWalking tour materials available from the Admissions office. Campus map downloadable online. ISU's 1,900-acre campus features extensive public art and park-like grounds.
Tour ResourcesOctober for stunning fall foliage around the Campanile and VEISHEA successor events. April through May for spring campus life. Football Saturdays at Jack Trice Stadium are electric. Avoid January through February (Iowa winters are brutal).
Memorial Union Parking Ramp at Lincoln Way and Lynn Avenue (pay parking). Visitor Permits available in advance for General Staff/Student lots. CyRide bus system is free for students; $1.25 regular fare. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is 35 miles south (~40 min drive).
Location
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