Iowa state vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Iowa state is the more selective of the two (88.7% vs 94.2% 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 $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa state is more selective (88.7% vs 94.2% acceptance); Iowa state has a higher median SAT (1204 vs 985).
Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $50K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $28,881); Iowa state offers a larger average aid package ($15,665 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 12,137 |
| International students | 8% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 78% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $40 | — |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Iowa state. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Iowa state or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Iowa state graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $63K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Texas rio grande valley?
Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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