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

Iowa State University vs University of Utah

Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

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

Salt Lake City, United States

QS World: #533
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between Iowa State University and University of Utah. 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 Utah excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

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

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally0 — 5 Advantage
Comparative DimensionIowa State UniversityUniversity of Utah
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#540 (2027)
#533 (2027)+7 places
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#401 (2027)
#242 (2027)+159 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)
#170 (2027)+230 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
1858
1850Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
36,000
34,000
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: 0 leads·Utah: 1 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)Iowa State UniversityUtah
Anatomy and Physiology#101#51
Geology#151#151
Geophysics#151#151

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Agriculture and Forestry#7
Veterinary Science#10
Linguistics#101

Utah · Specialist Subject Standings

Mineral and Mining Engineering#39
Development Studies#101
Nursing#101
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Ames vs Salt Lake City 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

Utah (Salt Lake City)

$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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