Houston vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 88.7% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($62K vs $63K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $28,881 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Iowa state for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 88.7% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1204).
Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $62K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $28,881); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 23,095 |
| International students | 16% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Houston. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Houston or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $62K at Houston and $63K at Iowa state.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Iowa state?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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