Iowa State University

Iowa State University (ISU), or simply Iowa State, is a public land-grant university. Founded in 1858 as Ames Agricultural School, ISU is the flagship university of the Iowa State University System. It has an extension office in all 99 counties of Iowa, which extends research-based educational opportunities to Iowans. ISU’s main campus covers around 1,900 acres. 

In 2020, Iowa State was placed 55th among the top 146 public universities in the nation on US News and World Report’s list of ‘Best Colleges.’ Also, several courses offered by ISU rank among the top 20 in their respective fields on the QS World Ranking by Subject. 

Some of the notable alumni of ISU include Clayton Anderson, NASA astronaut; George Washington Carver, an American agricultural scientist; and Carrie Chapman Catt, American Women’s suffrage leader, among others.  In this article, we will discuss about  Iowa State’s faculty, courses, fees, financial aid opportunities, and much more. 

Courses and Faculty

Iowa State is divided into eight colleges and two schools. These colleges offer over 100 Bachelor’s degree programmes, one Professional degree (the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine), over 100 Master’s programmes, over 80 Ph.D. programmes, and over 60 certificate programmes. 

Students at ISU learn from world-renowned scholars who work towards the mitigation of some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as the need for alternative energy resources, sustainable manufacturing, and so on. 

Moreover, the university has served as a cradle for innovators. For example, ISU is the birthplace of the first electronic digital computer, starting the world’s computer technology revolution. Invented by mathematics and physics professor John Atanasoff and graduate student (engineering) Clifford Berry during 1937–42, the Atanasoff–Berry Computer pioneered important elements of modern computing. Professor’s contribution.

The invention was not recognized at Iowa State University until 1973 when former students of Professor Atanasoff petitioned to have their professor’s work acknowledged. Since then, Iowa State has been a leader in digital computer technology and continues to be an innovator in this field.

Fees and Scholarships

Tuition costs for all undergraduate and graduate courses range from $25,000 to $35,000, except for the professional degree in Veterinary medicine. The fees for the latter is set between $55,000 to $65,000. 

However, several scholarships and other student aid options are available to students who wish to attend Iowa State University. Some of the scholarships offered include:

• Institutional Need-Based Scholarships 
• Institutional Academic and Talent Scholarships 
• Federal Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships Corporate/Private Scholarships
• Robert D. Blue Scholarship
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• All Iowa Opportunity Scholarships

Some of the grant options include:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Other Federal Grant/Scholarship Programs
•  Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant 
• IMAGES Grant
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Commission for the Blind
• Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC)
• Other State Grants
• National Guard Tuition Aid Program
• Federal Teach Grant

Students can also avail various loans and work-study benefits to support their education at ISU.

Careers and Placements 

Iowa State strongly focuses on experiential learning through field visits, research projects, interactive simulations, and other training methods. Therefore, students can gain real-world experience while still in school. This makes them desirable candidates to top firms in every field. According to The Wall Street Journal, Iowa State is one of the best schools in the country for placement after graduation. 

Also, according to highlights on the university website from the academic year 2020-2021, nearly 96 percent of bachelor’s graduates found employment within six months of graduation. Nearly 70% of these graduates reported accepting jobs, and nearly 26% reported continuing their education.

Iowa State’s Career Services office also plays a vital role in helping students find suitable internships and job opportunities. The university boasts of unique programs that help prepare students for their careers after graduation.  For instance, the ISU Leadership Program provides participants with leadership training and networking opportunities. Also, the Entrepreneurship Program helps student entrepreneurs begin their own businesses. 

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted into Iowa State University, you must complete an application and submit all required documents. The most critical factor in admissions is your academic record. You will need a high school diploma or equivalent; your grades and ACT/SAT or GRE/GMAT scores will also be considered. 

Iowa State also evaluates your performance in previous academic engagements, essays, letters of recommendation, extra-curricular activities, achievements, and interview results. If you are not from Iowa and would like to attend ISU as an international student, then there are additional requirements that you must meet such as an English proficiency test score. 

Iowa State University is a great place to start your career or explore your career options before deciding on a professional goal. Students at Iowa State receive a solid academic start and the opportunity to get involved in over 800 student organisations, various research programmes, internships, and study abroad opportunities. In short, Iowa State has something for everyone. And if you are a prospective applicant aiming to study in the US, consider applying to Iowa State. We hope you secure a spot at this prestigious institution!