Iowa State University

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, located in Ames, Iowa, stands as a premier public land-grant research institution renowned for its pioneering contributions to agriculture, engineering, and technological innovation. Established in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, it became one of the nation's first land-grant universities under the 1862 Morrill Act, emphasizing accessible higher education in practical and liberal arts. Today, spanning a vibrant 2,000-acre campus, Iowa State offers over 100 undergraduate majors, 120 master's programs, and 80 doctoral degrees across eight colleges, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Design. Classified as an R1 doctoral university with very high research activity, it hosts the Ames National Laboratory and drives advancements in biorenewables, materials science, and computing-home to the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, the world's first electronic digital computer. With nearly 36,000 students, the university fosters hands-on learning through learning communities, research parks, and extensions like Reiman Gardens and the Farm House Museum. Iowa State's Cyclones athletic teams compete in the Big 12 Conference, while traditions like the Campanile tower and Cy-Hawk rivalry enrich campus life. Committed to sustainability and global impact, Iowa State prepares graduates for leadership in STEM, business, and beyond, consistently ranking among top U.S. public universities for research excellence and employability.