Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Total Enrollment

30,380

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

474

474 programs

Full-Time Students

24,111

1,183 part-time

Total FTE

27,466

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

198
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
7793
Total Recent Graduates

With 30,380 students, Iowa State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 474 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 24,111 (95.3%)
95.3%
Part-Time Students 1,183 (4.7%)
Total Students 25,294

Predominantly full-time students (95.3%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (79.4%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
45.6%
13,855 students
Men
54.4%
16,525 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
69.5%
21,122 students
White
69.5% (21,122)
International Students
9.5% (2,871)
Hispanic/Latino
6.6% (1,994)
Asian
4.1% (1,244)
Two or More Races
2.9% (888)
Black/African American
2.4% (721)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (41)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (16)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 30,380 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 70% of the student body (21,122 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

25,628 students

55% Men, 45% Women
24,445 Full-time 1,183 Part-time
Diversity Index: 43% • Minority Students: 14%

Graduate students

4,845 students

50% Men, 50% Women
3,070 Full-time 1,647 Part-time
Diversity Index: 66% • Minority Students: 9%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

27,309
All full-time students
14,813 men, 12,496 women
Diversity: 46%

All Full-Time

27,515
All full-time students
14,921 men, 12,594 women
Diversity: 48%

FT Undergraduate

24,111
Full-time undergraduate
13,263 men, 10,848 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Undergraduate

24,445
Full-time undergraduate
13,417 men, 11,028 women
Diversity: 43%

FT Degree-Seeking

24,038
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
13,231 men, 10,807 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Degree-Seeking

24,397
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
13,389 men, 11,008 women
Diversity: 42%

FT First-Time

5,794
Full-time first-time students
3,100 men, 2,694 women
Diversity: 39%

FT First-Time

5,782
Full-time first-time students
3,139 men, 2,643 women
Diversity: 38%

FT Continuing

18,615
Full-time continuing students
10,250 men, 8,365 women
Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

18,244
Full-time continuing students
10,131 men, 8,113 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Transfer

1,257
Full-time transfer students
718 men, 539 women
Diversity: 40%

FT Transfer

1,206
Full-time transfer students
646 men, 560 women
Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

17,409
Full-time other continuing
9,604 men, 7,805 women
Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

16,987
Full-time other continuing
9,413 men, 7,574 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Non-Degree

48
Full-time non-degree seeking
28 men, 20 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Non-Degree

73
Full-time non-degree seeking
32 men, 41 women
Diversity: 50%

FT Graduate

3,198
Full-time graduate students
1,550 men, 1,648 women
Diversity: 66%

FT Graduate

3,070
Full-time graduate students
1,504 men, 1,566 women
Diversity: 65%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,865
All part-time students
1,604 men, 1,261 women
Diversity: 63%

All Part-Time

2,868
All part-time students
1,646 men, 1,222 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Undergraduate

1,183
Part-time undergraduate
702 men, 481 women
Diversity: 54%

PT Undergraduate

1,221
Part-time undergraduate
771 men, 450 women
Diversity: 52%

PT Degree-Seeking

970
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
614 men, 356 women
Diversity: 50%

PT Degree-Seeking

995
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
686 men, 309 women
Diversity: 51%

PT First-Time

65
Part-time first-time students
48 men, 17 women
Diversity: 40%

PT First-Time

74
Part-time first-time students
49 men, 25 women
Diversity: 50%

PT Continuing

930
Part-time continuing students
638 men, 292 women
Diversity: 51%

PT Continuing

896
Part-time continuing students
565 men, 331 women
Diversity: 50%

PT Transfer

57
Part-time transfer students
32 men, 25 women
Diversity: 57%

PT Transfer

46
Part-time transfer students
17 men, 29 women
Diversity: 49%

PT Continuing

873
Part-time other continuing
606 men, 267 women
Diversity: 51%

PT Continuing

850
Part-time other continuing
548 men, 302 women
Diversity: 49%

PT Non-Degree

226
Part-time non-degree seeking
85 men, 141 women
Diversity: 56%

PT Non-Degree

213
Part-time non-degree seeking
88 men, 125 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Graduate

1,647
Part-time graduate students
875 men, 772 women
Diversity: 64%

PT Graduate

1,682
Part-time graduate students
902 men, 780 women
Diversity: 64%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

19,123
White
623
Black/African American
1,801
Hispanic/Latino
1,099
Asian
955
International
Diversity Index: 43% Minority Students: 14%

Graduate students

2,075
White
112
Black/African American
197
Hispanic/Latino
128
Asian
1,843
International
Diversity Index: 66% Minority Students: 9%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Iowa State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 30,380 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (79.4%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 27,466 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 52% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1750 Beardshear Hall

Ames, IA 50011-2103

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now