by our College Data Analytics TeamLook up current in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at Iowa State University, together with how they compare nationally and their recent trend.
For the most recent year on record, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at Iowa State University came in at $10,787 for the year. Out-of-state undergraduates were charged $28,881. That gap is the in-state discount at this school.
Within that total, required fees added up to $1,535 in-state and $1,535 out-of-state; what is left is base tuition.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,252 | $27,346 |
| Fees | $1,535 | $1,535 |
| Total | $10,787 | $28,881 |
The figures above are for a single year of attendance and exclude room and board.
Bear in mind that many undergraduates get financial aid and scholarships that bring down the real cost they pay. The figures here are the published sticker price.
How much would Iowa State University charge if you go part time? Head to the Cost Per Credit Hour page to find out.
For perspective, here is how Iowa State University costs compare against other schools. Ratings are based on how far the price sits from each group’s average.
| Nationwide | In IA | Similar Colleges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Average | Average | Expensive |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Average | Inexpensive | Expensive |
Relative to the national field, Iowa State University lands right around the average.
Remember that a school can look pricey on sticker price alone yet be a better deal after financial aid. Review the Iowa State University Financial Aid page for specifics.
Tuition at Iowa State University has shifted over recent reported years.
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $8,324 | $24,136 |
| Two Years Ago | $8,678 | $25,162 |
| One Year Ago | $8,982 | $26,168 |
| Most Recent Year | $9,252 | $27,346 |
Below, the chart plots how tuition at Iowa State has moved over recent reported years.
Over the most recent year, out-of-state tuition went up 4.5%. If that pace held for another year, tuition + fees would land around $30,181 in the following year.
At most colleges, tuition edges up a little each year, so the cost in your final year will likely top today’s number.
Browse answers to frequently asked questions about college tuition and fees for the full rundown.
Averaged across those years, in-state tuition and fees increased by 3.84%, so in-state cost a year out lands around $11,201. For out-of-state students, the average annual increase was 4.31%, so next year out-of-state students could pay around $30,126.
Holding that rate, here is how tuition and fees could track over the next five years:
| Academic Year | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Next Year | $11,201 | $30,126 |
| In 2 Years | $11,631 | $31,424 |
| In 3 Years | $12,078 | $32,778 |
| In 4 Years | $12,542 | $34,191 |
| In 5 Years | $13,024 | $35,665 |
When you map out how you’ll pay, build in these annual increases — projecting four years of out-of-state tuition and fees at this rate gives roughly $128,519, or about $47,452 for in-state students.
A tuition number is just one part of the picture — scholarships and aid frequently cut what families actually pay.
To learn about financial aid at Iowa State University, see the Iowa State University Financial Aid page.
