College Facts

Water tower reflected in windows of Student Innovation Center on the Iowa State campus.

Engineering was one of the first programs offered at Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) when the university was established in 1858. The first students who arrived in 1869 studied agriculture and mechanics. Soon after, several branches of engineering developed out of the mechanics course. When the first Iowa State class graduated in 1872, six of the 26 students graduated with engineering degrees – four in civil and two in mechanical. Read more about ISU engineering through the years on our history page.

96% positive career outcomes for undergraduates six months after graduation with average starting salary of nearly $78,000.
More than 1,400 companies recruit our students every year—many of them participate in our career fairs that are among the largest in the nation.
75% of engineering students graduate with engineering work experience.
Academic resources include dedicated advisors in each department, an academic success center, computer labs, disability resources, help room, tutoring services and other support programs.
More than $108 million spent on externally sponsored research last year.
500+ faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, research and student achievement.
Internships, learning communities, study abroad, 90+ engineering organizations and hands-on experience help shape student success.
Every engineering major has their own learning community to study and work with others in the same major.
The college provides statewide K-12 STEM outreach and training programs.

College Facts

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Iowa State University College of Engineering Deans

Points of Pride