Washington University vs Iowa State - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Iowa State accepts most of the applications it receives (88.7%), while Washington University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.1%).
The more international environment is at Washington University (9.4% international students) than Iowa State (3.7%).
Real money goes to international students at Washington University ($68,438 on average), while Iowa State stops at $12,582.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $42,789 (Iowa State), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $27,124.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 88.66% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #501-600). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $63K). Iowa State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $69,594 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 Washington University 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
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 88.66% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1250).
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 $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Iowa State |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 88.66% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.75 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 23,095 |
| International students | 9.4% | 3.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $63K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Iowa State?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Iowa State accepts 88.66%.
Do Washington University or Iowa State graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Iowa State?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $28,881 per year at Iowa State.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Iowa State?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1250 at Iowa State; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Iowa State?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #501-600 for Iowa State.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Iowa State?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $15,665 at Iowa State.
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