Iowa State University SAT and ACT scores
Ames, IA · public college · 25,332 undergraduates. These are the scores of first-year students who sent them; the college is test-optional, so students with lower scores often don't send them.
Updated October 29, 2026 · College Scorecard data release 06/10/2026
Test policy and the CLT
- SAT and ACT: Test-optional (considered, not required), as Iowa State University reports it to the federal government. Check the college's admissions site for this year's rule.
- CLT: Accepted. Iowa State University is on the CLT's list of colleges that accept CLT scores.
Where do you stand?
Type a score to see how it compares with the middle 50% here.
Raise your score for Iowa State University
Free practice that explains every answer. Iowa State University accepts the CLT, a shorter test some students score better on.
Questions people ask
What SAT score do you need for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of first-year students who sent SAT scores to Iowa State University scored 1120 to 1360, with an average of 1204. A score at or above 1240 puts you in the upper half of that range. Scores below the range don't rule you out, but they make the rest of the application matter more.
What ACT score do you need for Iowa State University?
The middle 50% of first-year students who sent ACT scores scored 21 to 28. A 28 or higher puts you in the top quarter of students who sent ACT scores.
Does Iowa State University require the SAT or ACT?
Iowa State University reports its test policy to the federal government as "Considered but not required". Policies change from year to year, so confirm on the college's admissions website before you apply.
Does Iowa State University accept the CLT?
Yes. Iowa State University is on the CLT's list of colleges that accept CLT scores (cltexam.com, read October 29, 2026). A CLT score of about 74 to 97 matches its middle 50% range.
Colleges in Iowa with similar scores
- Luther CollegeSAT 1078–1406
- Drake UniversitySAT 1110–1350
- University of IowaSAT 1130–1330
- Emmaus Bible CollegeSAT 1120–1320
- Cornell CollegeSAT 1120–1285
Colleges elsewhere with similar scores
- California Lutheran UniversitySAT 1150–1330
- Florida Southern CollegeSAT 1150–1330
- Michigan Technological UniversitySAT 1130–1350
- Queens University of CharlotteSAT 1140–1340
- South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySAT 1140–1340
- The College of New JerseySAT 1140–1340
More about Iowa State University
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Iowa State University (data release 06/10/2026; scores and test policy as reported by the college to IPEDS)
- Classic Learning Test, colleges that accept the CLT, read October 29, 2026
- CLT and SAT concordance and CLT and ACT concordance, read October 29, 2026