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Graduate Students: Fall & Spring

The cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs of being enrolled for one year at Iowa State University. Students are assigned a financial aid budget based on their estimated cost of attendance, which is used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid needed. To help with understanding your cost of attendance, planning tools are available. Some of these tools can help you create budgets and lay out costs specific to your enrollment situation.

Estimated cost of attendance

2026-2027 academic year – Graduate

—
University expense (billed directly)
Indirect / estimated cost
Tuition
—
Fees
—
Housing and food
—
Books and supplies
—
Personal
—
Transportation
—

Tuition

University
—

Fees

University
—

Housing and food

On-campus

University
—

Books, course materials and supplies

University
—

Personal

Indirect
—

Transportation

Indirect
—
Please note: These figures are estimates for the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. Your actual cost of attendance may differ from what appears on your individual financial aid offer. For a complete tuition and fee breakdown, visit the ISU Tuition and Fee Schedule.

Full rate reference – all scenarios

Component Resident Non-res. Intl.
TuitionUniversity expense$12,194$30,876$32,914
FeesUniversity expense$1,526$1,526$1,526
Housing and food – on-campusUniversity expense$11,162$11,162$11,162
Housing and food – off-campusIndirect$12,294$12,294$12,294
Books, course materials and suppliesUniversity expense$800$800$800
PersonalIndirect$2,850$2,850$2,850
Transportation – on-campusIndirect$950$1,400$3,000
Transportation – off-campusIndirect$1,400$1,400$3,000

When considering costs of attendance, please note:

  • Total costs for attending Iowa State University may vary based on students’ lifestyles, majors, academic colleges, and academic progress
  • Student tuition, fees, and charges for food & housing in university housing are set by the Iowa Board of Regents
  • Food & Housing costs refer to the varied housing and dining choices made by the student; more information is available from the Department of Residence and ISU Dining
  • Summer costs of attendance vary depending on each student’s situation — see Tuition and Fees for more information
  • Juniors and seniors in some colleges are assessed tuition at a higher rate — see Tuition and Fees for more information
  • All international students enrolled for 1 credit hour or more at Iowa State University are required to purchase the ISU Student & Scholar Medical Insurance Plan
  • The Medical Insurance Plan cost IS NOT included in the International dollar amounts listed below

Cost of Attendance Explained

Tuition and Fees

These are the costs for your classes. The amount listed is based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits) and mandatory fees; this does not include any special course fees. Mandatory fees include a technology fee, activity fee, and health fee. Some majors may see a higher tuition cost. The higher cost assists with the cost of delivering those programs to ensure a high-quality educational experience.

Food and Housing

The amount listed is an estimate of your food and housing expenses; your actual costs may differ depending on your housing assignment and meal plan choice. If you are not living on-campus or do not have a meal plan through the university, you will not be charged for these items.

Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

The amount listed is an estimate; your actual costs may differ each semester based on the classes you are taking. Only books and supplies purchased through the University Bookstore in the Memorial Union can be charged to your U-Bill.

Transportation and Personal Expenses

The amount listed is an estimate for your daily living expenses. This cost will not be charged to your U-bill, but you can use financial aid to cover your day-to-day costs if you choose. Daily living expenses may include laundry, a personal vehicle (parking on campus, gas, etc.), prescriptions, personal hygiene items, or other daily costs.