HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

Arizona State University vs Iowa State University

Arizona State University Logo
Arizona State University

Tempe, United States

QS World: #17288% Admit
Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between Arizona State University and Iowa State University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

Arizona State University boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Iowa State University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose Arizona State University for classical academic standing, and Iowa State University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally4 — 2 Advantage
Comparative DimensionArizona State UniversityIowa State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#172 (2027)+368 places
#540 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#200 (2027)+201 places
#401 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#101 (2026)+300 places
#401 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#179 (2027)+221 places
#400 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
88%
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$33,520
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1885
1858Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
145,000
36,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
72 / 100
80 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Arizona State University: 3 leads·Iowa State University: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)Arizona State UniversityIowa State University
Education and Training#38#151
Environmental Sciences#45#151
Geology#51#151

Arizona State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Archaeology#10
Anthropology#27
Library and Information Management#33

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Agriculture and Forestry#7
Veterinary Science#10
Anatomy and Physiology#101
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Tempe vs Ames alongside annual international tuition.

High Cost Index

Arizona State University (Tempe)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$33,520/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$62,560/yr
High Cost Index

Iowa State University (Ames)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International TuitionSee Official Portal
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$29,040/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

Calculate Your Admission Odds & Export a Printable Comparison Dossier

Add up to 4 universities in the interactive comparison workbench, run your GPA & IELTS/TOEFL profile against both schools, track application deadlines, and export a formatted PDF report for family or counselor review.