Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa State University vs Northeast Iowa Community College
Compare average net price ($18,589 at Iowa State University; $11,272 at Northeast Iowa Community College), ROI score (8.52 vs 9.16), ten-year median earnings ($63,386 vs $41,306), and admissions context (88.7% at Iowa State University; Open / not reported at Northeast Iowa Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Northeast Iowa Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Northeast Iowa 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 | Northeast Iowa Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.52 | 9.16 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,589 | $11,272 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $63,386 ✓ | $41,306 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% ✓ | 51.4% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 25,367 | 1,697 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1204 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Iowa State University costs $7,317 more per year than Northeast Iowa Community College ($18,589 vs $11,272). Iowa State University graduates report $22,080 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,386 vs $41,306). On EduGradify's model that puts Northeast Iowa Community College ahead on projected ROI (9.16 vs 8.52, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Northeast Iowa 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; Northeast Iowa Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa State University vs Northeast Iowa Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa State University or Northeast Iowa Community College the better value?
Northeast Iowa Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.16 vs 8.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northeast Iowa Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,272 per year vs $18,589 at Iowa State University. The annual difference of $7,317 adds up to about $29,268 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $41,306 at Northeast Iowa Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,080.
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; Northeast Iowa Community College reports B.