Iowa State University (ISU) is a prominent public research university located in Ames, Iowa. Established in 1858, it is known for its commitment to providing quality education and innovative research opportunities. The university's land-grant mission emphasizes education, research, and outreach, making it a leader in agriculture, engineering, and technology. ISU's motto, "Science with Practice," reflects its dedication to practical applications of research in real-world settings. This focus is evident in various disciplines, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

The university boasts a vibrant campus culture, enriched by student organizations, cultural events, and sports. With over 800 student clubs and organizations, students have countless opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities that enhance their academic experience. The athletics program, particularly in football and basketball, has garnered significant attention and fosters a strong sense of community and school spirit. Additionally, Iowa State offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, research centers, and recreational facilities, providing students with both academic and personal development opportunities. With its commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment, Iowa State University continues to prepare students for successful careers while making significant contributions to research and the community.

Discussion on Key Metrics at Iowa State University

Iowa State University has shown notable trends over the years, particularly regarding tuition rates, graduation rates, and student retention. The increment in tuition for in-state undergraduate students has been significant, growing from $7,726 in 2014 to $10,497 in 2024, which translates to an increase of approximately 36% over the decade. For out-of-state students, the increase is even more pronounced, reaching $27,683, marking almost a 36% rise as well. This steady increase in tuition can have significant implications for accessibility and student debt levels, raising concerns about the affordability of higher education.

In tandem with tuition hikes, the graduation rates have improved. The percentage of undergraduates graduating on time increased from about 33.4% in 2014 to over 50.8% in 2024. This upward trend indicates that the university has made strides in supporting students through to graduation, which is crucial given the rising costs of college education. When combined with the 150% graduation rate, which reflects those who graduate within six years, the data shows that the university is increasingly effective in retaining students and guiding them to completion.

Another critical metric to highlight is student retention. The retention rate initially fluctuated but has shown improvement, peaking at 88.6% in 2021 before gently declining to about 85.7% in 2023. This metric is essential, as higher retention rates often correlate with higher graduation rates; thus, it reflects the institution's ability to support students in their academic journeys.

While the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable at 18:1 since 2020, maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio is vital for ensuring personalized education, fostering better academic outcomes, and enhancing student experiences. The continuous attention to these key metrics showcases Iowa State University's commitment to educational excellence amidst rising financial pressures on students. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for maintaining the institution's reputation and accessibility in the higher education landscape.

Analysis of Graduation Numbers at Iowa State University

The graduation data from Iowa State University reveals significant insights into student demographics and program popularity. Notably, the Mechanical Engineering program produced the highest number of bachelor's degrees, with 356 graduates, 19 of whom were international students. This highlights the program's strength and its appeal to both domestic and international students. Similarly, Marketing also showed a strong domestic interest, with 294 bachelor graduates and 8 international students, indicating a robust job market for graduates in this field.

Contrarily, fields like Veterinary Medicine display a unique trend. While no undergraduate degrees were conferred, the program succeeded in producing 156 doctoral graduates, including one international student. This may suggest that students in this discipline tend to pursue advanced degrees directly after or instead of undergraduate education, reflecting the demanding nature of veterinary careers.

Interestingly, several engineering-related programs, such as Computer Software Engineering and Energy Systems Engineering, reported no master's or doctorate graduates, highlighting a potential gap in these fields. This lack of advanced degrees could indicate either a preference for immediate employment after undergraduate studies or a need for improved graduate program offerings.

These trends can inform prospective students about which majors lead to robust graduate numbers and may influence recruitment strategies to attract a diverse student body. The data underscores the critical role of international students in fields such as engineering and marketing, contributing to a global perspective within the academic community. Overall, the graduation figures provide valuable insights for educational strategies and job market orientation at Iowa State University.

Iowa State University's Admissions Trends and Rankings

Iowa State University has experienced a significant fluctuation in its US News ranking over the past decade. From a high of 88 in 2010, the ranking hit its lowest point of 127 in 2023, only to see a slight recovery to 115 in 2024. The most recent data for 2025 indicates a ranking of 121, which suggests that while there is progress, the university is still navigating challenges in the competitive landscape of higher education. Admission rates have shown interesting patterns as well. In recent years, both male and female acceptance rates have generally been high, hovering around 87% to 92% for men and slightly lower, between 81% and 91%, for women. This indicates a relatively inclusive admission policy, especially when compared to many other institutions that have seen declining acceptance rates. The enrollment figures have also been telling; for instance, in 2020, there were 5,597 students enrolled, which reflects a resilient interest in the university despite the pandemic and its associated uncertainties. However, the number of students denied admission has remained substantial, peaking at 2,499 in 2024. This speaks to the competitive applicant pool that Iowa State University attracts, even amidst fluctuating rankings. Overall, while Iowa State University has faced ups and downs in both ranking and admissions, its relatively high acceptance rates and consistent enrollment numbers indicate a thriving academic environment. The university will need to leverage these strengths as it aims for a more stable positioning in upcoming years.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Iowa State University

The data from Iowa State University showcases notable trends in SAT and ACT score submissions over the years from 2007 to 2024. Initially, throughout the years, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has fluctuated significantly, with a peak in 2019 at 19% and subsequently returning to similar levels in 2023. This trend suggests an increasing reliance on standardized testing by the applicant pool during those years, possibly influenced by nationwide educational practices.

The score ranges for SAT reading and mathematics highlight a variation in achievement levels among students over the years. Despite the rise in the number of test-takers, there has been a noticeable decline in the lower end of the score spectrum, specifically within the reading and math components, indicating a possible shift towards higher academic preparedness among applicants. For instance, the lower quartile of SAT reading scores has improved to 540 in recent years, marking progress in student readiness compared to earlier years.

Moreover, the ACT scores have exhibited similar progress, indicating a potentially more competitive applicant pool. The consistency amidst the fluctuations in the percentage of applicants submitting scores reflects the complexities of college admissions strategies and student choices influenced by the evolving landscape of standardized testing and college readiness.

Overall, the data reflect a commitment by Iowa State University to maintain high admission standards while adapting to trends in education, ensuring that their incoming student body is both diverse and well-prepared. This reality highlights the growing importance of holistic review processes in admissions, especially with the nationwide shift towards test-optional policies that some institutions have adopted.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Iowa State University (2024)

In 2024, Iowa State University exemplifies a diverse student body with a total enrollment of 27,226 students across various classifications. The freshman category represents a significant portion, comprising 5,859 students, where 53.7% are male and 46.3% are female. Meanwhile, sophomores uniquely show a higher male representation at 56.1% among 17,860 students, indicating a trend of more male students returning for their second year.

Transfer students and graduate students also contribute to the demographic spectrum, with transfer students accounting for 1,314 individuals and a male ratio of 57.1%. Interestingly, the graduate student population of 4,845 shows almost gender parity, with males at 50.1% and females at 49.9%, reflecting an effort towards equitable access in advanced education pathways.

The racial and ethnic composition of the student body further highlights the university's inclusivity. While detailed breakdowns of race for all categories are not entirely available, it is noted that for undergraduates, white students form the majority. This presents an opportunity for the university to continue its efforts in increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities and international students.

The data implies a healthy enrollment scenario, yet challenges remain in achieving gender balance across all categories and increasing diversity. This aligns with national trends in higher education where efforts are being made to create more equitable environments for students from all backgrounds. Iowa State's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus will be critical in attracting and retaining students in the future.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Iowa State University

The age composition data of Iowa State University for the year 2024 reveals interesting insights into the demographic landscape of its student body. Notably, the majority of undergraduate male students fall within the 18-19 age range, accounting for approximately 93% of the total undergraduate male population. This trend underscores the university's appeal to traditional college-aged students.

On the female side, undergraduate women within the same age bracket also represent a substantial portion, making up about 85% of all undergraduate female students. This dominance of younger students is critical as it aligns with national trends where universities see a surge in enrollment among students aged 18 to 21, generally considered the ideal age for pursuing higher education.

As students progress, however, there is a noticeable decline in both male and female enrollment in the 22-24 age group, which suggests that a significant number of students may either be completing their degrees or transitioning into the workforce post-graduation. Importantly, as we analyze the graduate student data, the numbers reveal a higher proportion of older students, particularly evident in the 25-29 age group, where graduate males and females are represented with 912 and 939 individuals respectively. This trend indicates a growing inclination among adults to pursue further education, aligning with lifelong learning movements across the United States.

Interestingly, there's a significant drop in enrollment for students over 50, despite the increasing relevance of education in today’s job market. Overall, the data reflects shifting educational patterns and the need for institutions to cater to diverse age demographics, particularly as the traditional model of college attendance evolves.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Iowa State University

The data on international students at Iowa State University reveals significant insights into the evolving landscape of higher education. Over the years from 2005 to 2024, the proportion of international undergraduate students remains relatively low, peaking at 7.68% in 2011 but declining to 3.30% by 2023. This trend suggests that while the university may have increased its total enrollment capabilities, it has not correspondingly attracted a similar percentage of international undergraduates, which could be reflective of broader global trends in student mobility, including factors such as geopolitical tensions, visa regulations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conversely, the graduate student population shows a more favorable trend for international enrollment. In 2024, the percentage of international graduate students reached an impressive 38.04%, showcasing an upward trajectory from just 33.59% in 2005. This notable increase indicates that Iowa State University has succeeded in appealing to graduate students from around the world, likely due to the university’s robust research programs and the growing demand for advanced degrees in various disciplines.

This data highlights the critical importance of international students in enriching the educational environment within universities. They bring diverse perspectives, enhance cultural exchange, and contribute significantly to the academic and economic vitality of the institution. Nevertheless, it also points to the necessity for proactive strategies that address the declining trend among undergraduate international students, ensuring that Iowa State University remains an attractive destination for scholars globally.

Here are some notable schools located near Iowa State University:

1. Drake University - Ranked 179th in 2025, Drake University is a comprehensive university that offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing leadership and community involvement.

2. Grinnell College - This liberal arts college ranks 19th in 2025 and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, progressive environment, and commitment to social justice.

3. University of Iowa - With a ranking of 98th, the University of Iowa is well-known for its writing programs, research initiatives, and vibrant campus life, making it a significant institution in the region.

4. Creighton University - Ranked 121st, Creighton is a Jesuit comprehensive university that focuses on personal growth, ethics, and service to the community.

5. Carleton College - At 8th in the rankings, Carleton is a highly regarded liberal arts college that emphasizes academic rigor and a close-knit community.

6. Macalester College - Ranked 26th, Macalester is known for its international diversity and strong liberal arts curriculum, encouraging students to become globally engaged citizens.

These schools offer a variety of programs and environments, enriching the educational landscape around Iowa State University.

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Iowa State University

The crime data from Iowa State University reveals intriguing trends in campus safety and student behavior over the past decade. Starting from a high of 21.78 offenses per 1,000 students in 2013, the numbers have gradually declined, hitting a low of 7.57 in 2021. This significant decrease of approximately 65% over eight years may suggest that initiatives aimed at enhancing campus security and promoting responsible behaviors among students have been effective.

However, it's important to note that the figures began to rise again in 2022, reaching an average of 11.33 per 1,000 students, and further increasing to 15.33 in 2023. The re-emergence of incidents, particularly in areas like drug-related arrests and domestic violence, indicates that the university community must remain vigilant and proactive. The fluctuation can be attributed to various factors, such as changes in student demographics, evolving social culture, or the impact of nationwide events, including the ongoing conversations about mental health and substance use in college settings.

The availability of data on specific types of offenses, like gun-related incidents and alcohol-related arrests, underscores the necessity for targeted interventions. Continuous efforts to promote safety, coupled with educational programs on responsible behavior, can contribute to maintaining safe learning environments. It is vital that the university continues to assess these trends and adapt its policies in accordance with the changing landscape of student lifestyles and societal influences.

For further understanding of how these crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.