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