A world-class education, right next door.

Outstanding academic programs and collective support. Find it all at Iowa State.

Where anything and everything is within reach, right here in the Midwest. From internships to study abroad, to groundbreaking research, and new inventions, this is hands-on learning, enriched both inside the classroom and out in the field.

This fall, 1,074 new Illinois students came to Iowa State, joining a community of almost 4,000 students from the Prairie State.

From Illinois to Ames, Iowa.

Vibrant culture, incredible job opportunities, and collaborative environment, all in a safe, welcoming community – there’s no wonder Ames is ranked one of the best college towns in the nation.

  • Exculsive Cyclone Era t-shirt

    Visit Iowa State before November 30 and receive a free Cyclone Era t-shirt.

A top public university choice for students from Illinois.

At Iowa State, find everything you need to unearth your potential.

Undergraduate students 6-year graduation rate First-year retention rate Cost
Iowa State University 76% 87%

$23,409 with top first-year scholarships
Chicago State University 18% 56% $22,170
Eastern Illinois University 53% 71% $24,485
Governors State University 20% 55% $21,494
Illinois State University 68% 80% $27,620
University of Illinois at Chicago 62% 78% $28,892
University of Illinois Springfield 54% 76% $24,174
University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign 85% 93% $31,510
Northeastern Illinois University 21% 63% $22,025
Northern Illinois University 50% 65% $24,252
Southern Illinois University Carbondale 47% 71% $25,358
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 51% 71% $23,483
Western Illinois University 49%

67%

 $23,768

Notes

6-year graduation rates sourced from Common Data Set, as reported on university websites. Retention rates sourced from Illinois Board of Higher Education 2022-23. Iowa State statistics comprised of students from Illinois.

Cost for Illinois schools are fall 2022 tuition, fees, and food and housing rates.

Iowa State University cost is fall 2023 out-of-state tuition, fees, and food and housing with scholarships for a student with a 4.0 grade point average and Illinois Expedition Award included.

Many Iowa State students also receive need-based aid from Student Financial Aid.

An excellent education. A price tag that won't make your head spin.

Scholarships

85%

More than 85% of Iowa State students receive some sort of financial aid.

Financial Aid

45%

45% of Iowa State students graduate debt free.

International Student

138

Iowa State welcomed 138 transfer students from Illinois in fall 2023.