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

University of California, Riverside vs Iowa State University

University of California, Riverside Logo
University of California, Riverside

Riverside, United States

QS World: #398
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, Riverside and Iowa State University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

University of California, Riverside 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, Riverside 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 Tally4 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of California, RiversideIowa State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#398 (2027)+142 places
#540 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#326 (2027)+75 places
#401 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#201 (2026)+200 places
#401 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#262 (2027)+138 places
#400 (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
1954
1858Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
26,000
36,000
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.

California, Riverside: 1 leads·Iowa State University: 2 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)California, RiversideIowa State University
Agriculture and Forestry#83#7
Geophysics#101#151
Geology#151#151
Environmental Sciences#201#151

California, Riverside · Specialist Subject Standings

Earth and Marine Sciences#151
Philosophy#151
Biological Sciences#201

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Veterinary Science#10
Anatomy and Physiology#101
Linguistics#101
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

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

High Cost Index

California, Riverside (Riverside)

$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

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
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