Iowa state vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 88.7% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $59,512 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 Virginia 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
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 88.7% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1204).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $63K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 58,951 |
| International students | 8% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Iowa state or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Virginia?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $37,123 at Virginia.
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