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At high-research universities, graduate students get to do as much as they learn. They might co-author research papers, work on new tech in the lab, or join projects that tackle real-world problems like climate change or public health. With support from award-winning expert faculty and access to top-tier resources, students apply what they learn, gain a deeper understanding of their field, and make a real impact. It’s a powerful way to grow, personally and professionally.
That’s the experience you get at Iowa State University (ISU). Recently, nine ISU researchers in agriculture, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, psychology, and statistics were named AAAS Fellows — a distinguished lifetime honour in the scientific community. Learning from and working with experts like these is an edge for anyone shaping their own path in research and discovery.
“These individuals represent the best of ISU research,” says Peter Dorhout, ISU’s vice president for research. “Their work and tireless commitment to discovery helps us achieve our strategic aspirations of creating opportunities and forging new frontiers as collaborative partners seeking proactive and innovative solutions to the many challenges facing our world.”
Iowa State is ranked #1 in Iowa and in the top 25% nationally in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges rankings. Source: Iowa State University
Research at ISU doesn’t happen in isolation. The university is home to many centres and institutes focused on solving real problems. These include the Agricultural Marketing Resource Centre (AgMRC), Translational AI Centre, Centre for Bioplastics/Biocomposites, Nanovaccine Institute, Crop Engineering Centre, and Centre for Survey Statistics and Methodology, among others. These centres connect research with impact — in Iowa and beyond.
And the university keeps pushing boundaries. In September, ISU won a US$14 million grant from the National Science Foundation to design and plan a new facility to test how extreme wind events affect large structures. The project is led by Partha Sarkar in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and brings together experts from multiple disciplines and institutions.
With this NSF grant, Iowa State’s external sponsored research funding totalled more than US$300 million for the second consecutive year, a new record that’s 14.9% more compared to the previous record of US$301.3 million set in FY23.
For students, it all adds up to one thing: a research experience that prepares them to lead and make a difference.
Diverse programmes, modern facilities
ISU offers the best of both worlds: the resources of a large institution combined with the close-knit atmosphere of a smaller community. With over 4,200 graduate students across more than 100 areas of study, ISU Graduate College is a diverse and supportive environment to explore the 250 graduate programmes available, from the humanities to engineering and the physical sciences.
For those looking for flexibility, ISU Online offers more than 70 graduate degrees and certificates. Fields include agriculture, analytics, cybersecurity, design, and others. Courses are taught by the same experienced faculty as on campus, and the online format is designed to fit around busy lives. The dedicated ISU Online support team ensures that students receive guidance from start to finish, working alongside faculty and advisers to offer personalised help every step of the way.
Iowa State graduates, holding over 100 majors, minors, and certificates, are making a global impact. Source: Iowa State University
Affordable living and a vibrant community
Ames, Iowa, is a welcoming place for students, with ISU at its core. The town is home to students and faculty from all over the world, giving it a cosmopolitan feel.
What makes Ames even more appealing is the cost of living. In 2022, the town was named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” by Livability and ranked among the “Most Liveable College Towns” by SmartAsset. Unlike bigger cities, Ames offers affordable housing, dining, and everyday expenses so you can focus more on your studies and less on your budget. Expenses are around 5% lower than the national average.
As affordable as it is, Ames is also a town full of opportunities to explore. There’s something for everyone, from unique shops and great restaurants to concerts and performances featuring big names and rising stars. No matter the season, the beauty of Ames is always on display, giving you plenty to enjoy in your free time.
Within ISU, you’ll find just as much to do, from fitness training sessions to sport clubs, gaming and esports. For the more ambitious student, ISU’s many student organisations provide an ideal platform to build connections and develop leadership skills.
As Monet Butler, an honours student, puts it, “ISU has allowed me to get involved from the second I walked onto campus. I’ve developed leadership skills while immersing myself in the unique community ISU has to offer.”
Learn more about Iowa State University.
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