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

Iowa State University vs Auburn University

Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
Auburn University Logo
Auburn University

Auburn, United States

QS World: #851
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

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

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

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

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

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

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionIowa State UniversityAuburn University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#540 (2027)+311 places
#851 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#401 (2027)+200 places
#601 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#401 (2026)
#401 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#400 (2027)+212 places
#612 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
Est. Open/Tier
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
See Portal
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1858
1856Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
36,000
31,764
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
80 / 100
80 / 100
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.

Iowa State University: 4 leads·Auburn University: 0 leads

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Anatomy and Physiology#101
Linguistics#101
Statistics and Operational Research#101

Auburn University · Specialist Subject Standings

Hospitality and Leisure Management#101
Architecture and Built Environment#201
Mathematics#501
Discipline Focus: Veterinary Science
Clear Filter ×

Iowa State University Programs

Refer to the official Iowa State University course catalog for current intake fees.

Auburn University Programs

Refer to the official Auburn University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

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

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
High Cost Index

Auburn University (Auburn)

$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

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