Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa State University vs Marshalltown Community College
Compare average net price ($18,589 at Iowa State University; $8,059 at Marshalltown Community College), ROI score (8.52 vs 12.72), ten-year median earnings ($63,386 vs $41,010), and admissions context (88.7% at Iowa State University; Open / not reported at Marshalltown Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Marshalltown Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Marshalltown 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 State University | Marshalltown Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.52 | 12.72 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,589 | $8,059 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $63,386 ✓ | $41,010 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% ✓ | 42.3% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $9,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 25,367 | 788 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1204 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Iowa State University costs $10,530 more per year than Marshalltown Community College ($18,589 vs $8,059). Iowa State University graduates report $22,376 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,386 vs $41,010). On EduGradify's model that puts Marshalltown Community College ahead on projected ROI (12.72 vs 8.52, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Marshalltown 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; Marshalltown Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa State University vs Marshalltown Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa State University or Marshalltown Community College the better value?
Marshalltown Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.72 vs 8.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marshalltown Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,059 per year vs $18,589 at Iowa State University. The annual difference of $10,530 adds up to about $42,120 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $41,010 at Marshalltown Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,376.
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 State University reports a B value grade; Marshalltown Community College reports A.