Undergraduate Students: Fall & Spring

The cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs of being enrolled for one year at Iowa State University.  Food and Housing costs are reflective for students living on-campus, off campus, and off campus with their parents. 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.

• 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 above

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 based on the median campus housing cost and Cardinal meal plan; 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.