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

Iowa State University vs Illinois Institute of Technology

Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
Illinois Institute of Technology Logo
Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, United States

QS World: #620
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between Iowa State University and Illinois Institute of Technology. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

Iowa State University boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Illinois Institute of Technology excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose Iowa State University for classical academic standing, and Illinois Institute of Technology for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally4 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionIowa State UniversityIllinois Institute of Technology
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#540 (2027)+80 places
#620 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#401 (2027)
#301 (2027)+100 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#401 (2026)+500 places
#901 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#400 (2027)+421 places
#821 (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
1858Lead
1890
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
36,000
7,460
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: 1 leads·Illinois Institute of: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)Iowa State UniversityIllinois Institute of
Mechanical Engineering#151#351

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Agriculture and Forestry#7
Veterinary Science#10
Anatomy and Physiology#101

Illinois Institute of · Specialist Subject Standings

Art and Design#51
Architecture and Built Environment#101
Electrical and Electronic Engineering#251
Discipline Focus: Mechanical Engineering
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Iowa State University Programs

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

Illinois Institute of Programs

Refer to the official Illinois Institute of 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 Chicago 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
Major Urban Hub

Illinois Institute of (Chicago)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International TuitionSee Official Portal
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$33,360/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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