Students walk the booths of ClubFest on Wednesday outside the Memorial Union. Several hundred of Iowa State's clubs and organizations recruited new members in this annual event. Photo by Christopher Gannon.
Iowa State continues to see strong enrollment with 30,432 students on campus this fall and a class of 5,906 first-year students, which has increased by 16% over the past five years. The enrollment numbers reflect growing interest in Iowa State's STEM programs and degrees of the future.
Why Iowa State?
Student outcomes -- including salary and graduation rates -- are among the reasons students choose Iowa State and why ISU is the top-ranked Iowa university in the latest Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges rankings. Iowa State jumped 26 spots, to No. 119, among the 500 colleges and universities that were ranked. The rankings, which surveys students and recent graduates, consider several factors such as salary impact, learning opportunities and preparation for careers.
"Students recognize Iowa State University as a leader in innovation and for opportunities to take on leadership roles, conduct undergraduate research and gain hands-on experience in preparing for their future careers," said President Wendy Wintersteen.
Kaylee Cavanh, a first-year student from North Liberty, knew Iowa State was the place for her after learning about the variety of classes and clubs offered as well as programs connecting students with leaders in business and industry. Affordability was another factor for Cavanh, and the financial assistance she received sealed the deal.
"I had it in my mind that I was coming to Iowa State -- that was the goal and the plan," Cavanh said. "I knew I needed to apply for as many scholarships as possible. It was critical for me to focus on my education, rather than finances. From an academic standpoint, I'm better prepared to take on the year."
Iowa State was recently ranked in the top 10% in the nation for affordability, quality of education and student outcomes by Money.com. This fall, around 72% of undergraduate students and 77% of first-year students are supported through scholarships and grants.
Enrollment breakdown, additional numbers
Iowa State's total fall enrollment of 30,432 -- an increase of 255 students from 2023 -- includes 25,628 undergraduate, 4,170 graduate and 634 veterinary medicine students, and students from all 99 Iowa counties, all 50 states and 116 countries.
"Traditionally, around 60% of Iowa State students are majoring in STEM fields and this year is no exception," said Laura Doering, associate vice president for enrollment management. "Students not only come to Iowa State for quality academic programs, but they know they'll have the support they need to succeed in any field."
Of the 5,906 first-year students on campus this fall, nearly 21% are first-generation students and nearly 23% are eligible for Pell grants. The average high school grade point average is 3.75 and average ACT score is just under 25.
