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

University of Rochester vs Iowa State University

University of Rochester Logo
University of Rochester

Rochester, United States

QS World: #25141% 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 Rochester and Iowa State University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

University of Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Tally6 — 0 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of RochesterIowa State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#251 (2027)+289 places
#540 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#136 (2027)+265 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
#208 (2027)+192 places
#400 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
41%
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$65,580
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1850Lead
1858
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
12,160
36,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
82 / 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.

Rochester · Specialist Subject Standings

Music#11
Performing Arts#15
Dentistry#51

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Agriculture and Forestry#7
Veterinary Science#10
Anatomy and Physiology#101
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

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

High Cost Index

Rochester (Rochester)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$65,580/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$94,620/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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