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