Research.com
Iowa State University logo

Iowa State University

2433 Union Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA

Iowa State University award
Iowa State University award
US ranking
position: 39
Tuition & fees per year: $11,090
Acceptance rate: 89.00%
Median alumni salary: $50,667
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1207 SAT, 25 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Iowa State University offer in terms of athletics?

Iowa State University provides a comprehensive athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university boasts a diverse range of sports teams, known as the Cyclones, that engage in numerous men's and women's sports. These include popular programs such as football, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, and track and field, among others.

The football team enjoys considerable support and plays home games at Jack Trice Stadium, a venue known for its energetic atmosphere. Similarly, the basketball teams compete in Hilton Coliseum, which features a lively fan environment that students and visitors often praise. Iowa State's wrestling team has a particularly strong tradition, consistently ranking among the nation's top programs and producing multiple All-Americans and national champions.

Beyond these marquee sports, Iowa State also supports opportunities in golf, soccer, cross country, softball, tennis, and swimming, offering a broad athletic experience. Student-athletes benefit from well-equipped training facilities and access to support services that promote both athletic excellence and academic success. The campus community shows strong engagement with sporting events, which creates a vibrant athletic culture on campus.

What student groups and Associations are available at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University offers a range of social and athletic student organizations that can enrich the collegiate experience. The university hosts a total of 28 Greek life chapters, evenly split with 14 for men and 14 for women. A significant portion of the student body participates in these social groups, with approximately 13,436 men and 10,934 women involved in Greek life.

Additionally, students interested in sports can engage in both intramural and club sports, providing opportunities for competition and recreation beyond varsity athletics.

Who studies at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University hosts a notably large freshman class, with 5,859 new students, placing its intake within the top 5% in terms of size nationally. Transfer student enrollment also remains substantial at 1,314, ranking in the top 20%, which contributes to a total incoming student body of 7,173, a figure well above average and positioned in the top 5% nationwide.

The university's age distribution reflects a predominantly traditional undergraduate population. Among undergraduates, the majority are between 18 and 21 years old, with 10,625 aged 18 to 19 and 10,268 aged 20 to 21. While younger than 18 and older than 24 groups are present, they represent a much smaller fraction of the student body. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant numbers in the 25 to 34 age range, accounting for more than 2,600 students combined, and some even above 50 years of age.

The racial and ethnic composition indicates a predominantly white student population, with 18,998 students identifying as white, a number ranking in the top 5% nationally. Hispanic and African American students represent average proportions, with 1,785 and 619 students respectively. Students identifying with two or more races number 823, placing Iowa State University in the top 10% for this category. Additionally, a notable 1,101 students fall into an unknown racial category, also ranking in the top 5%. Asian students total 1,071, while smaller populations include Native American (33 students) and Pacific Islander (15 students), both reflecting average representation.

How does student life look like at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University offers a vibrant and diverse campus life with a wide array of student activities and resources. Students can engage in cultural and artistic pursuits through campus drama, band, chorus, radio, and television programs, fostering a creative and inclusive environment.

The university supports student well-being comprehensively, providing essential services such as legal assistance, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affair office. Additionally, the presence of a dedicated woman's center underlines a commitment to inclusive support systems.

With a campus spanning 1,819 acres, there is ample space for both academic and extracurricular engagement. The student body is substantial, with over 30,000 enrolled, reflecting a dynamic and busy campus atmosphere that promotes networking and community involvement.

Student-athletes participate under the NCAA umbrella, indicating competitive athletic programs and school spirit.

What libraries are available to students at Iowa State University?

Iowa State University offers access to the Parks Library, its primary library facility. While the university has just one main library, its collection size is notably large with nearly 1.34 million physical books, placing it in the top 20% nationally for book volume. The library's offerings also include an extensive range of 44,726 subscriptions and a substantial digital subscription collection of 224,803 resources, which ranks around the top 45% of institutions.

Students can also benefit from a very high number of ebooks, approximately 1.88 million titles, situating the university in the top 10% for digital book availability. The number of databases available stands at 397, which is an average level compared to other universities.

Service-wise, the Parks Library maintains 115 hours of service weekly and provides physical and digital access to its resources. Facilities include study rooms for group or individual work, and the library employs trained staff to assist users. Additionally, there is established operating hours, though all-day access is not available. Access to shared collections further enhances the breadth of materials students can consult.

Iowa State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

30432

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

5826

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1406 full time, 269 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Iowa State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Parks Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Iowa State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Iowa State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Iowa State University Location & Map