Rochester vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 88.7% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #501-600). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $67,080 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 Rochester for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 88.7% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1204).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $63K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 23,095 |
| International students | 37% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $50 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Rochester or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Iowa state?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $15,665 at Iowa state.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern