Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa Central Community College vs Iowa State University
Compare average net price ($9,328 at Iowa Central Community College; $18,589 at Iowa State University), ROI score (11.27 vs 8.52), ten-year median earnings ($42,046 vs $63,386), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Iowa Central Community College; 88.7% at Iowa State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Iowa Central Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Iowa Central Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Iowa Central Community College | Iowa State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.27 ✓ | 8.52 |
| Avg net price | $9,328 ✓ | $18,589 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,046 | $63,386 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 88.7% |
| Graduation rate | 41.6% | 75.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,000 ✓ | $22,869 |
| Enrollment | 3,103 | 25,367 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1204 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Iowa State University costs $9,261 more per year than Iowa Central Community College ($18,589 vs $9,328). Iowa State University graduates report $21,340 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,386 vs $42,046). On EduGradify's model that puts Iowa Central Community College ahead on projected ROI (11.27 vs 8.52, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Iowa Central Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Iowa State University reports 88.7% acceptance; Iowa Central Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa Central Community College vs Iowa State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa Central Community College or Iowa State University the better value?
Iowa Central Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.27 vs 8.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa Central Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,328 per year vs $18,589 at Iowa State University. The annual difference of $9,261 adds up to about $37,044 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $42,046 at Iowa Central Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $21,340.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Iowa Central Community College reports a A value grade; Iowa State University reports B.