Iowa State University
Iowa, United States
Founded1858
Students31,105 UG / 350 PG
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Iowa State University (ISU) is a comprehensive public land-grant institution founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. Located in Ames, Iowa, it holds the distinction of being the nation’s first coeducational land-grant school, opening its doors in 1869. Today, it is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and is governed by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. The university is dedicated to a mission of research and education, serving a student population of over 31,000.
The institution is organized into eight colleges, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate College. Iowa State is widely recognized for its commitment to undergraduate success through programs like "Soar in 4," which guarantees degree completion in four years for most majors. It also boasts a long-standing reputation for innovation, particularly in the fields of biological sciences, engineering, and agriculture.
Location
Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa. The campus is noted for its aesthetic appeal and serves as a significant landmark within the state. It features a mix of historic structures, such as the Memorial Union, and state-of-the-art modern facilities like the Student Innovation Center. The university also maintains a unique relationship with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory, which is situated directly on the campus grounds. Additionally, the university operates a student-managed farm, the only one of its kind in the nation, further integrating its agricultural roots into the physical campus environment.
Ames, United States
Campuses
Ames
MainAmes· United States
Campus Culture
Student life at Iowa State University is vibrant and diverse, with a student body of over 31,000 individuals, nearly half of whom come from out-of-state or international locations. The university offers over 800 student organizations, providing a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The Memorial Union has served as the central hub for student activity since 1928, and the campus features modern facilities like the $84 million Student Innovation Center, designed for collaborative design and fabrication.
The university supports a robust Greek community with over 55 chapters and provides housing for more than 11,000 students in residence halls and apartments. For those interested in athletics, Iowa State competes in the Big 12 Conference. Campus traditions and community spirit are visible in facilities like Jack Trice Stadium, which notably features turfgrass managed by the university’s own horticulture department. Comprehensive support services, including the Academic Success Center and Thielen Student Health Center, ensure a well-rounded environment for student success.
Rankings
Iowa State University maintains a strong national and global reputation, particularly in specialized fields. It is ranked first in the nation for entrepreneurship studies by certain metrics and consistently places within the top 10 globally for its agricultural and forestry programs. The university's College of Engineering and the Ivy College of Business are highly regarded, with the latter holding AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting—a distinction shared by only 2% of business schools worldwide.
The university is also recognized for its high career placement rates, with many programs reporting that nearly 100% of graduates find employment within six months of graduation. Historically, the institution is prestigious for being the home of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), the world's first electronic digital computer. Its College of Veterinary Medicine also holds the distinction of being the first state veterinary school established in the United States.
Research
As a premier research hub and AAU member, Iowa State University manages a significant research enterprise with external funding reaching $346 million in FY2024. The university focuses on several key research areas, including advanced materials, biorenewable energy, secure cyberspace, and plant health. It maintains a close partnership with the Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy facility located on campus, fostering high-level scientific collaboration.
Innovation is a core component of the university's research identity. It has a storied history in animal genetics and agricultural technology and is the birthplace of the first electronic digital computer. The university also supports a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through the Start Something Network and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, which help transition research and student ideas into startups. Notable student-led ventures emerging from this environment include True360 and Upcycling+.