Iowa state vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 88.7% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #23). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $65,790 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 Washington university 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
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 88.7% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1204).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $63K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 32,754 |
| International students | 8% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 95% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Iowa state or Washington university graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Washington university?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $75,604 at Washington university.
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