Iowa state vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 88.7% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #151-200). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $67,080 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, lower graduate debt.
Choose Rochester 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
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 88.7% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1204).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $63K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 21,384 |
| International students | 8% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 78% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $40 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Iowa state or Rochester graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Rochester?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $60,879 at Rochester.
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