Returning students and incoming graduate students should anticipate their 2025-2026 financial aid package in mid-June. This package will reflect the 25-26 tuition rates approved by the Board of Regents at their June meeting.
Fall & SpringResidentNon-Resident
Year2025-20262025-2026
Tuition & Fees*$30,854$51,774
Food & Housing (off-campus)$11,758$11,758
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment$800$800
Anticipated Personal Expenses$3,800$3,800
Total Expected Cost of Attendance$47,662$68,582

The cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs of being enrolled for the Fall and Spring semester at Iowa State University and is the total amount of financial aid you can receive. Your cost of attendance is not your University Bill.

The required Summer semester for VM4 students has a separate cost of attendance and University Bill. Financial aid is available during the required Summer semester for VM4 students. 

VM4 who attempt a preceptorship away from ISU may submit a preceptorship form and receipts for reimbursement of expenses paid after academic credit is earned for the preceptorship.

When considering costs of attendance, please note:

  • Student tuition, fees, and charges for food & housing in university housing are set by the Iowa Board of Regents
  • Food and housing allocated in the veterinary medicine cost of attendance is assuming off-campus housing with no meal plan at ISU; your cost of attendance cannot be adjusted for food or housing expenses that exceed what is included in your cost of attendance 
  • Your cost of attendance may include Direct Loan origination fees, if using the Federal Direct Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS Loan; the loan origination fee is an average and may not be exact to your principal amount borrowed 
  • Your actual University Bill may include miscellaneous expenses not specifically outlined in your cost of attendance 
  • 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 

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.  

Food and Housing

The amount listed is an estimate of your food and housing expenses and your cost of attendance cannot be increased for off-campus housing and food expenses that exceed the amount offered in your cost of attendance. 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 University Bill. 

Transportation and Personal Expenses

The amount listed is an estimate for your daily living expenses. This cost will not be charged to your University 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.