العربيةStudy abroad at Ames
Overview
Country
United StatesPopulation
66,000
Universities
2
Summer / Winter Temperature
Summer: 21°C–30°C / Winter: -11°C–-1°C
Why study at Ames
Ames is the quintessential, ultra-safe Midwestern American college town located in central Iowa, consistently ranked among the best small cities in the United States for quality of life, affordability, and STEM research. Ames is home to Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU - founded in 1858, premier flagship R1 Doctoral Research Land-grant university, birthplace of the world's very first electronic digital computer: the Atanasoff-Berry Computer ABC), globally renowned for its College of Engineering (top 25 in the US), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine (the oldest in the US), Ivy College of Business (AACSB-accredited), and Ames National Laboratory of the US Department of Energy. Degrees are taught 100% in English with prestigious ABET and AACSB accreditations. International students benefit from extremely affordable living costs, free CyRide bus transit (award-winning national transit system), friendly community, and direct F-1 / I-20 Student Visa support.
Fees
Tuition fees in Ames for international undergraduate students at Iowa State University (ISU) range between $26,500 and $31,500 per academic year for Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Agriculture, while postgraduate Master's and PhD programs range from $27,000 to $33,000 per year (with generous international merit scholarships like the International Merit Award up to $10,000/year and graduate assistantships). On-campus student dormitories (Friley, Maple-Willow-Larch, Frederiksen Court) cost between $700 and $1,150 per month (inclusive of meal plans and utilities), while off-campus student apartments in Campustown and Mortensen Road range from $500 to $950 per month. General monthly living expenses range between $800 and $1,400.
Cost of Living
| Category | Cost (US dollar) |
|---|---|
| University on-campus student residence (Frederiksen Court / Friley Hall - monthly) | $900 |
| Rent, 1-bed private apartment in Campustown / Welch Avenue | $1,000 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in West Ames / Mortensen Road | $750 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas, water - off campus) | $175 |
| Internet (fiber optic high-speed home broadband unlimited - Mediacom/MetroNet) | $60 |
| Mobile phone plan (high 5G data & calls - Verizon/T-Mobile) | $53 |
| Monthly public transport & CyRide bus pass (100% Free for ISU students) | $0 |
| Monthly grocery & dining budget (Hy-Vee / ALDI / Target) | $425 |
| Coffee / Beverage in café near Memorial Union / Main Street | $5 |
| Cinema ticket (North Grand Cinema) | $13 |
Admission requirements
Secondary School Diploma / Academic Transcripts
Certified secondary school graduation certificate and official transcripts with certified English translation (SAT/ACT optional for undergraduate admission).
English Language Proficiency (TOEFL iBT / IELTS / Duolingo)
TOEFL iBT (minimum 71+), IELTS Academic (6.0+ with no band below 5.5), Duolingo English Test (100+), or PTE Academic (48+).
Student Visa
International students require a US F-1 Student Visa. Upon academic admission and submission of financial evidence (bank statement verifying first-year tuition and living expenses), Iowa State University issues the official Form I-20. The student pays the SEVIS I-901 fee, completes Form DS-160 online, and attends the visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
How to Study
Choose your degree program at Iowa State University (ISU).
Submit your online application via Common App or ISU International Admissions Portal with official transcripts and English test scores.
Receive your official Letter of Admission and submit financial affidavit for Form I-20 issuance.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online.
Complete the DS-160 visa form and attend your F-1 Visa interview at the US Embassy.
Fly to Des Moines International Airport (DSM - 35 min from Ames) with university airport shuttle transit to Ames campus.