Iowa state vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Iowa state is the more selective of the two (88.7% vs 90.4% acceptance). Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #801-900). Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $55K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $33,780 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Old dominion for: a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa state is more selective (88.7% vs 90.4% acceptance); Iowa state has a higher median SAT (1204 vs 1197).
Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $55K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 46.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $33,780); Old dominion offers a larger average aid package ($30,437 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 15,100 |
| International students | 8% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 77% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 78% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $40 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into Iowa state. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Iowa state or Old dominion graduates earn more?
Iowa state graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $63K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Old dominion?
Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $30,437 at Old dominion.
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