Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs Iowa State University
Blacksburg, VA — Ames, IA
| Metric | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA | Iowa State University Ames, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Blacksburg, VA | Ames, IA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 30,923 | 25,367 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54.8% | 88.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,364 | 1,204 |
| In-State Tuition | $15,948 | $10,787 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $37,764 | $28,881 |
| Avg Net Price | $24,953 | $18,589 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 | $22,869 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 86.3% | 75.4% |
| Retention Rate | 93.1% | 87.6% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $67,377 | $53,873 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,698 | $63,386 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 661700.0% | 923200.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Iowa State University compare?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Iowa State University?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,698 vs $63,386. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Iowa State University?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Iowa State University is the more affordable option at $18,589 per year versus $24,953.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.3% 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