Iowa state vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 88.7% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #35). North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $41,203 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 North carolina 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
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 88.7% acceptance); North carolina has a higher median SAT (1439 vs 1204).
North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $63K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $41,203); North carolina offers a larger average aid package ($20,705 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 66,535 |
| International students | 8% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $40 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or North carolina?
It's harder to get into North carolina. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Iowa state or North carolina graduates earn more?
North carolina graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $72K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or North carolina?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $20,705 at North carolina.
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