Iowa State University enrollment has risen for the third consecutive year, reaching 31,105 students this fall, according to Iowa State University.
This increase of 673 students over the last year is fueled by record retention of first-year students, just over 89%, and the largest incoming class since 2016. This year’s first-year class of 6,160 represents five straight years of growth, up 21.5% since 2020.
President Wendy Wintersteen credited Iowa State’s momentum to its wide range of academic and experiential opportunities.
“Iowa State’s innovative Degrees of the Future and excellence in engineering, agriculture and many other fields are attracting more and more students to Ames,” Wintersteen said. “Our exciting entrepreneurial programs, internships at our expanding ISU Research Park, study abroad support and more make Iowa State a destination campus.”
Iowa State also welcomed 1,351 new transfer students, nearly 60% from Iowa community colleges. Programs such as the DMACC-ISU Connect initiative and the statewide Admissions Partnership Program are designed to streamline transfer pathways.
Financial aid continues to play a central role in student access. This fall, 73% of undergraduates and 80% of first-year students are supported through scholarships and grants.
Enrollment gains were reflected across Iowa State’s seven colleges. The Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business reached a record 5,401 students, breaking last year’s record of 5,197. For the first time, its first-year class surpassed 1,000 students, an 11.8% increase, according to Ivy College of Business Dean Raj Agnihotri.
“This growth reflects the Ivy College of Business’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce through hands-on learning, industry partnerships and a curriculum designed to build both technical and professional skills,” Agnihotri said.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) also saw modest enrollment growth, reporting 4,284 students compared to 4,251 last year. CALS leaders pointed to strengthened student support as a driver of retention.
“Our Pathways to Innovation and Leadership enhanced engagement with academic departments and student outreach efforts to make sure students have a career development plan,” said Andrew Zehr, director of communication and marketing for CALS.
The College of Design has added 270 students since 2019, reflecting steady growth in demand for its programs, Seda McKilligan, senior associate dean, said.
“To support the increase in student numbers, we have increased faculty numbers, added course sections where needed and have aligned offerings with areas of highest demand,” McKilligan said. “Most of our studio spaces have been renovated to accommodate enrollment growth. We have also improved efficiencies in how spaces are used and have received institutional support to secure additional facilities.”
Zehr also highlighted expanded study abroad advising and the continued success of Iowa State’s agricultural career fair, the nation’s largest.
This fall’s student body includes 26,346 undergraduates, 4,116 graduate students and 643 veterinary medicine students. Enrollment spans all 99 Iowa counties, all 50 states and 110 counties. Nearly 61%, or 18,925 students, are pursuing degrees in STEM fields.
Among first-year students, just over 20% are first-generation and nearly 22% are Pell-Grant eligible. The class of 2029 enters with an average ACT score of 25 and an average high school GPA of 3.76.
Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Katharine Johnson Suski said the numbers reflect Iowa State’s strong appeal to in-state students.
“That growth reflects our commitment to serving the state, with more students from Iowa high schools and community colleges choosing Iowa State,” Suski said.