Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa Lakes Community College vs Iowa State University
Compare average net price ($13,933 at Iowa Lakes Community College; $18,589 at Iowa State University), ROI score (7.73 vs 8.52), ten-year median earnings ($43,108 vs $63,386), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Iowa Lakes Community College; 88.7% at Iowa State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Iowa State University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Iowa State University 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 Lakes Community College | Iowa State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.73 | 8.52 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,933 ✓ | $18,589 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,108 | $63,386 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 88.7% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 75.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $22,869 |
| Enrollment | 941 | 25,367 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1204 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Iowa State University costs $4,656 more per year than Iowa Lakes Community College ($18,589 vs $13,933). Iowa State University graduates report $20,278 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,386 vs $43,108). On EduGradify's model that puts Iowa State University ahead on projected ROI (8.52 vs 7.73, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Iowa State University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Iowa State University reports 88.7% acceptance; Iowa Lakes Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa Lakes Community College vs Iowa State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa Lakes Community College or Iowa State University the better value?
Iowa State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.52 vs 7.73), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa Lakes Community College is cheaper — average net price $13,933 per year vs $18,589 at Iowa State University. The annual difference of $4,656 adds up to about $18,624 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $43,108 at Iowa Lakes Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $20,278.
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 Lakes Community College reports a B value grade; Iowa State University reports B.