Colleges in Ames, Iowa
2 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 2 colleges and universities in Ames, Iowa (1 Public, 1 Private for-profit). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 2 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $19,561 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 76.0%, schools that report admissions data accept a median 89% of applicants.
The median net price in Ames runs about $1,831 higher than the Iowa statewide median of $17,731.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in Ames, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$19,561
After aid
Median grad rate
76.0%
6-year
Median admission rate
89%
Median enrollment
12,772
Undergrad
All colleges in Ames
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University Ames, IA | IA | Public, 4-year | $18,589 | 75.3% | 89% | 25,367 | Complete | |
| PCI Academy-Ames Ames, IA | IA | Private for-profit, 2-year | $20,533 | 76.6% | Not available | 176 | Partial |
By institution type
Public (1)
Public colleges in Ames are state- or locally-funded institutions that typically offer lower in-state tuition and serve a broad mix of residents and commuters.
- Iowa State UniversityNet price: $18,589Grad: 75.3%
Private for-profit (1)
Private for-profit colleges in Ames operate as businesses, generally focused on career-oriented and online programs with rolling admissions.
- PCI Academy-AmesNet price: $20,533Grad: 76.6%
Top programs in Ames
Most-completed programs across Ames colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Engineering21.1% of degrees
- Business17.0% of degrees
- Agriculture10.7% of degrees
- Biological sciences6.1% of degrees
- Visual & performing arts4.6% of degrees
- Computer science4.5% of degrees
- Parks & recreation4.0% of degrees
- Education3.6% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in Ames
Q.How many colleges are in Ames, Iowa?
There are 2 colleges and universities in Ames, Iowa that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 1 Public, 1 Private for-profit.
Q.What is the largest college in Ames?
By undergraduate enrollment, Iowa State University is the largest institution in Ames with roughly 25,367 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in Ames?
Based on average net price after aid, Iowa State University is the most affordable institution in Ames at $18,589 per year.
Q.Which Ames college has the highest graduation rate?
PCI Academy-Ames reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among Ames institutions at 76.6%.
Q.What is the average tuition in Ames?
The median net price across all 2 colleges in Ames is $19,561 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in Ames?
Across Ames colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Engineering, Business, Agriculture.
Q.Are there community colleges in Ames?
Yes — Ames includes 1 public institutions, many of which offer 2-year associate degrees and transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
Other cities in Iowa
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in Ames that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.