Iowa state vs Wyoming — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Iowa state is the more selective of the two (88.7% vs 96.9% acceptance). Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #701-800). Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $57K). Wyoming has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,178 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 Wyoming 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 96.9% acceptance); Iowa state has a higher median SAT (1204 vs 1147).
Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $57K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 58.8%).
Wyoming has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,178 vs $28,881); Iowa state offers a larger average aid package ($15,665 vs $12,129).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #701-800 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 96.9% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 23.8% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1147 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 6,217 |
| International students | 8% | 4% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $54K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $81K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 58.8% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 79% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $24,178 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $12,129 |
| % of need met | 78% | 57.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $24,921 |
| Application fee | $40 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 10,813 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Wyoming?
It's harder to get into Iowa state. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Wyoming accepts 96.9%.
Do Iowa state or Wyoming graduates earn more?
Iowa state graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $63K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Wyoming?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $24,178 per year at Wyoming.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Wyoming?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1147 at Wyoming; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Wyoming?
Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #701-800 for Wyoming.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Wyoming?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $12,129 at Wyoming.
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