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

University of California, Irvine vs Iowa State University

University of California, Irvine Logo
University of California, Irvine

Irvine, United States

QS World: #25226% Admit
Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

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

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

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

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

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

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of California, IrvineIowa State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#252 (2027)+288 places
#540 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#97 (2027)+304 places
#401 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#75 (2026)+326 places
#401 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#99 (2027)+301 places
#400 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
26%
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$49,702
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1965
1858Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
37,297
36,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100Lead
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.

California, Irvine: 3 leads·Iowa State University: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)California, IrvineIowa State University
Anatomy and Physiology#51#101
Geology#51#151
Geophysics#51#151

California, Irvine · Specialist Subject Standings

Philosophy#43
Anthropology#51
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence#51

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Agriculture and Forestry#7
Veterinary Science#10
Linguistics#101
Discipline Focus: Geology
Clear Filter ×

California, Irvine Programs

Refer to the official California, Irvine course catalog for current intake fees.

Iowa State University Programs

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

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

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

High Cost Index

California, Irvine (Irvine)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$49,702/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$78,742/yr
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
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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