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

Iowa State University vs University of Arizona

Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
University of Arizona Logo
University of Arizona

Tucson, United States

QS World: #313
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

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

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

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

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

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

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally1 — 4 Advantage
Comparative DimensionIowa State UniversityUniversity of Arizona
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#540 (2027)
#313 (2027)+227 places
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#401 (2027)
#139 (2027)+262 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#401 (2026)
#151 (2026)+250 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#400 (2027)
#102 (2027)+298 places
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
1885
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
36,000
45,000
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·Arizona: 4 leads

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Veterinary Science#10
Anatomy and Physiology#101
Statistics and Operational Research#101

Arizona · Specialist Subject Standings

Archaeology#14
Mineral and Mining Engineering#19
Earth and Marine Sciences#31
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Ames vs Tucson 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

Arizona (Tucson)

$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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