Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Iowa State University

Columbus, OH — Ames, IA

Metric
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Location Columbus, OH Ames, IA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 45,638 25,367
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 88.7%
SAT Average 1,387 1,204
In-State Tuition $13,244 $10,787
Out-of-State Tuition $40,022 $28,881
Avg Net Price $17,339 $18,589
Median Debt at Graduation $19,976 $22,869
4-Year Graduation Rate 87.7% 75.4%
Retention Rate 94.2% 87.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $51,438 $53,873
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,409 $63,386
Loan Repayment Rate 1822700.0% 923200.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Ohio State University-Main Campus and Iowa State University compare?
Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $13,244, and median 10-year earnings of $60,409. Iowa State University (Ames, IA) has an acceptance rate of 88.7%, in-state tuition of $10,787, and median 10-year earnings of $63,386.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Iowa State University?
Iowa State University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,386 vs $60,409. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Iowa State University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Ohio State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $17,339 per year versus $18,589.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 87.7% vs 75.4%.

More Comparisons

All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025