University of Iowa vs Iowa State University
University of Iowa reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($64,762 vs $63,386). Iowa State University recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.4 yrs vs 3.9 yrs).
| Measure | University of IowaIA | Iowa State UniversityIA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21 | $64,762 | $63,386 |
| Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-25 | 3.9 yrs | 3.4 yrs |
| Average net price per year2024-25 | $22,531 | $18,589 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25 | $28,596 | $24,018 |
| Six-year graduation rate2024-25 | 74.6% | 75.3% |
| First-year retention (full-time)2024-25 | 90.4% | 87.6% |
| Admission rate2024-25 | 83.6% | 88.7% |
| Median federal debt at graduation2020-21 | $22,500 | $22,869 |
| Undergraduate enrollment2024-25 | 22,264 | 25,367 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-23 | 6.1 | 4.0 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of Iowa or Iowa State University a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, Iowa State University recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.4 yrs vs 3.9 yrs). Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals. Use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of Iowa or Iowa State University?
University of Iowa's average net price is $22,531 per year and Iowa State University's is $18,589 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.