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

Iowa State University vs South Dakota State University

Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
South Dakota State University Logo
South Dakota State University

Brookings, United States

QS World: Regional/Specialist
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between Iowa State University and South Dakota State 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. South Dakota State University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

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

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally4 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionIowa State UniversitySouth Dakota State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#540 (2027)Lead
Unranked
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#401 (2027)
#>1k (2025)+400 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#401 (2026)+500 places
#901 (2022)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#400 (2027)+1387 places
#1787 (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
1881
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
36,000
12,000
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·South Dakota State: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)Iowa State UniversitySouth Dakota State
Agriculture and Forestry#7#401

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Veterinary Science#10
Anatomy and Physiology#101
Linguistics#101
Discipline Focus: Agriculture and Forestry
Clear Filter ×

Iowa State University Programs

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

South Dakota State Programs

Refer to the official South Dakota State 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 Brookings 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

South Dakota State (Brookings)

$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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