Iowa state vs Connecticut — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Connecticut is the more selective of the two (52.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $43,712 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
Choose Connecticut for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Connecticut is more selective (52.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Connecticut has a higher median SAT (1348 vs 1204).
Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $63K); Connecticut has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.3% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $43,712); Connecticut offers a larger average aid package ($21,535 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 52.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1348 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 55,479 |
| International students | 8% | 11% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $74K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $66K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $109K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 83.3% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 92% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $21,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $43,712 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $21,535 |
| % of need met | 78% | 61.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $28,506 |
| Application fee | $40 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 28,306 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Connecticut?
It's harder to get into Connecticut. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Connecticut accepts 52.4%.
Do Iowa state or Connecticut graduates earn more?
Connecticut graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $74K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Connecticut?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $43,712 per year at Connecticut.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Connecticut?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1348 at Connecticut; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Connecticut?
Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #301-400 for Connecticut.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Connecticut?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $21,535 at Connecticut.
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