Emory vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 88.7% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #501-600). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,280 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 88.7% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1204).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $63K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,280); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 23,095 |
| International students | 19% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Emory or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Iowa state?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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