Iowa State University: what international applicants need

What are Iowa State University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Iowa State University admits on a rolling basis for 2026–27: there's no single deadline, and it answers applications as they come in, so applying early is safer.

What is Iowa State University's acceptance rate?

88.7% for students who started in fall 2024: Iowa State University admitted 20,475 of its 23,095 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Iowa State University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Iowa State University is test-flexible for 2026–27: it accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT, and its testing page lists which ones.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.

What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 560–690 in Math and 560–670 in Reading and Writing (13% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 21–28.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Iowa State University's application fee for international students?

Iowa State University's application fee is $65 for international applicants: $10 more than the $55 US applicants pay.

Does Iowa State University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Iowa State University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Iowa State University accept?

Iowa State University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Iowa State University require?

Iowa State University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Iowa State University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Iowa State University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Iowa State University have?

955 of Iowa State University's 25,628 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 3.7%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Iowa State University cost for international students?

Iowa State University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $28,881 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $10,787). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $10,808. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $42,789 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Iowa State University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, Iowa State University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 434 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25