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
Discipline Focus: Geophysics
Clear Filter ×

California, Riverside Programs

Refer to the official California, Riverside 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 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
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

Calculate Your Admission Odds & Export a Printable Comparison Dossier

Add up to 4 universities in the interactive comparison workbench, run your GPA & IELTS/TOEFL profile against both schools, track application deadlines, and export a formatted PDF report for family or counselor review.