Nothing like the good ol' Cy-Hawk Rivalry. Iowa v. Iowa State?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I currently a senior high school student in Iowa. I have a 33 ACT, 4.0 GPA, and quite a diverse list of extracurriculars. I have applied to a few reach schools, but, due to financial reasons, I have come to the conclusion that Iowa and Iowa State are my best options. I'm looking to major in either civil, materials, or electrical engineering. However, I've been able to take a massive amount of college credits during high school, so I will have plenty of time to pursue a minor or possibly a double major. </p>

<p>Now, here is where things get sticky.</p>

<p>My family has a strong history with Iowa State, and, for most of my life, I have always assumed that I would go there. After all, it has some of the highest ranked engineering programs in the country, and Ames is a beautiful college town that is only a two hour drive from home. I applied to ISU as soon as applications opened up this summer (accepted), but I was disappointed, to say the least, with their financial aid. I received their highest automatic awards, but this award total only amounts to a four-year total of $9000.</p>

<p>In the past few months, I've started to look in to the University of Iowa. Although Iowa isn't as well-known for its engineering as ISU, it is still a very respectable program. Overall, I feel like Iowa is a more prestigious university than Iowa State (except for engineering). If I wanted to pick up a double major in another field of study, I think that Iowa would have more to offer. The University of Iowa's financial aid office also has A LOT more to offer. I have already received $41000 in merit aid, and I stand a strong chance to earn an additional $40000 to bring my award total to $81000 BEFORE local scholarships. This equates in to a full ride. </p>

<p>I like Iowa City just as much as Ames, but I can't decide which institution will give me the most valuable college experience. </p>

<p>What are your opinions on engineering at Iowa as opposed to Iowa State? Do you think it will make a real difference on my resume? Also, I also want to go somewhere where the people are simply nice. Iowa State fits the bill perfectly, but, in my visits to Iowa, it seems like the abundance of Chicago kids seems to make the atmosphere at Iowa quite a bit different than Iowa State. </p>

<p>Note: My parents are perfectly willing to pay for an Iowa State education, but, if I go to Iowa, they will give me the entirety of my college savings ($30000). By going to Iowa, I wouldn't have to be the typical "poor" college student, which is fairly attractive to me. </p>

2

<p>I’m no expert, but some things to ponder:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>College is an educational experience OUTSIDE of the classroom too. College savings in your grasp is enticing, but you may not learn to manage money as well, (and in the presence of a “safety net”).</p></li>
<li><p>Are the savings more than what will be made up for by a better job/degree from Iowa State…? you judge</p></li>
<li><p>Where will you be happier and thrive academically and socially? To me it seems like Iowa State.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>All just a part of the bigger picture/decision for you.</p>

3

<p>I think you have a good problem. I went to U of Iowa so I am biased, but really, both schools should give you plenty of educational chops. Will an engineering firm look at your resume and pick you because you went to Iowa State ,but not pick you because you went to Iowa? Probably not, right? If this won’t matter that much, I’d think it would be really hard to turn down all that $$ from U of Iowa. However, that said, if you are more of a hometown ISU person, maybe you would be happier there? Consider all three pieces. Happiness, $$$, and the marginal difference in employment advantage.</p>

4

<p>We visited both schools and preferred ISU. Nicer campus, better facilities, slightly friendlier vibe (maybe because of the smaller influence of “FIBS”:). For engineering there’s no question it’s better than Iowa, in my opinion. For other programs, Iowa may have the edge. But they are both great schools.</p>

<p>P.S. Your user name is gross.</p>

5

<p>Plenty of us FIBS heading to ISU these days. If you choose a school based on that, you are an idiot.</p>