Iowa State University - AcademicsCollege Prowler3.08
Comparable Schools'
Academics Grades:
Quick Stats
Faculty with Terminal Degree
92 %
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Average Course Load
12–18 credits
College Prowler Take
Student satisfaction ranges from sheer hatred to adoration, and a majority of the students at ISU seem to fall in the middle of that range. While a few students do profess hatred of their teachers and subject material, most students tend to be content with the quality of education these teachers are providing. Cultural differences seem to be the biggest problem teachers and students have with each other, but these kinds of differences better prepare students for life in the real world. They may, eventually, be glad they were forced to strain and decipher foreign interpretations of English—it could help them in the workforce someday.
Of course, different people will have differing views on what makes or breaks a teacher, and this is no different at ISU. Some students are warned by friends that certain teachers are Satan incarnate, while others adore them. Iowa State has enough educators to offer variety in education. In most cases, if you get stuck with a teacher you hate, chances are, you can drop the class and take it later with a different instructor. These options are not always available at smaller schools.
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
ISUZR says: Iowa State University 2013 Business  |
As with anywhere, the teachers at...
As with anywhere, the teachers at ISU are both good and bad. Sometimes you get really great teachers, and then sometimes you get a dud. However, I have found that if you take time to meet the teachers and let them know you exist, it will take you far. As for the workload, there were some useful things I learned, but I felt that I was faced with a lot of busy work also.
Academics: April 13, 2009
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ISUJJ says: Iowa State University 2012 Agriculture and Related Science  |
In some classes, the workload is...
In some classes, the workload is heavy; others it is light. The school has a lot of different major areas, but it's know for engineering and agriculture.
Academics: March 31, 2009
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ISUCE says: Iowa State University 2012 Arts, Visual and Performing  |
It depends on which program you're...
It depends on which program you're in. I'm in the College of Design, and it is intense—be ready to work. Don't expect professors to cater to you—this is a pretty big school, so you have to be the one to initiate meetings and critiques. This is why the design school is so well-known, though—it's challenging but rewarding.
Academics: March 30, 2009
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ISUAC says: Iowa State University 2013 Engineering  |
I came to Iowa State University...
I came to Iowa State University because I knew how strong the engineering program was here. The resources avaiilble to the students make it great to get a real hands-on learning experience. Job placement post graduation is also a big reason why I chose Iowa State.
Academics: March 30, 2009
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chuckdick says: Iowa State University 2011 Military  |
Availability
C+
A lot of the professors here usually only make themselves available online. I wish more would meet face to face with you. The professors I did have that did that made the class easy and more enjoyable.
Academics: March 13, 2010
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Facts
AP Test Score Requirements
Possible credit for scores of 3 or higher, but scores vary by exam.
IB Test Score Requirements
Possible credit for scores of 4 or higher, but scores vary by exam. For more info: www.iastate.edu/~adm_info/cbe_ib.html
Most Popular Majors
- Agriculture/agriculture operations - 8 %
- Business/marketing - 21 %
- Education - 6 %
- Engineering - 19 %
- Visual/performing arts - 6 %
Special Study Options
- Accelerated program
- Cooperative (work-study) program
- Cross-registration
- Distance learning
- Double major
- Dual enrollment
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Exchange student program (domestic)
- External degree program
- Honors program
- Independent study
- Internship
- Liberal arts/career combination
- Student-designed major
- Study abroad
- Teacher certification program
- Weekend college
Class Sizes
- Fewer than 20 Students - 34 %
- 50 or More Students - 26 %
Best Places to Study
- Coffeeshops off campus
- Frederiksen Court Community Center
- Hawthorn Market and Café
- Maple-Willow-Larch Commons
- Memorial Union
- Parks Library
Did You Know?
Iowa State’s central campus was selected for the American Association of Landscape Architects’ 1999 centennial listing of “Medallion Sites.” It was one of only three campuses selected in the nation.
Every state and over 100 countries are represented in the student body.
Iowa State University consistently ranks in the top 11 percent of the private and public institutions enrolling National Merit Scholars.
ISU math and physics professor Jan Vincent Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry designed the first electronic digital computer.
More Iowa high school graduates enroll at Iowa State each year than at any other Iowa college or university.
Among all U.S. universities and systems surveyed in 1998, Iowa State ranked first in the number of licenses and options executed on university-generated technology innovations; 10th in patents; 5th in total active licenses and options; and 12th in start-up companies from its research.
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