Iowa state vs Texas at austin — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Texas at austin is the more selective of the two (26.6% vs 88.7% acceptance). Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #45). Texas at austin graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $44,908 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 Texas at austin 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
Texas at austin is more selective (26.6% vs 88.7% acceptance); Texas at austin has a higher median SAT (1395 vs 1204).
Texas at austin graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $63K); Texas at austin has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.9% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $44,908); Texas at austin offers a larger average aid package ($20,219 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Texas at austin |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #45 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 26.6% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 47.4% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1395 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 72,885 |
| International students | 8% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 88.9% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 96.7% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $20,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $44,908 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $20,219 |
| % of need met | 78% | 75% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $19,919 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 53,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Texas at austin?
It's harder to get into Texas at austin. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Texas at austin accepts 26.6%.
Do Iowa state or Texas at austin graduates earn more?
Texas at austin graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Texas at austin?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $44,908 per year at Texas at austin.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Texas at austin?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1395 at Texas at austin; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Texas at austin?
Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #45 for Texas at austin.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Texas at austin?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $20,219 at Texas at austin.
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