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    Iowa State University

    Computer Science

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Ames, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $66,912.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    47.1%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    30
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Computer Science at Iowa State University is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Ames, US. Tuition is $66,912 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program offers thesis and non-thesis (creative component) options, covering core computer science areas including algorithms, operating systems, compiling, artificial intelligence, and breadth in theory, systems, software, and applications. It emphasizes theoretical and experimental methods for solving fundamental and practical problems.

    Focus: both
    US News #59 (tie)

    Your fit

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2026
    Jun 1, 2026
    Spring 2027
    Nov 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    required
    Min In general, successful MS applicants have a combined GRE score of 300 or higher with at least 150 on the quantitative portion.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min 79 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 6.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $18,048.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Computer Science at Iowa State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Computer Science at Iowa State University is $66,912 across 30 required credits.
    Is Computer Science at Iowa State University online or in-person?
    Computer Science at Iowa State University is offered in-person.
    How long does Computer Science at Iowa State University take to complete?
    Computer Science at Iowa State University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Computer Science at Iowa State University?
    Per the program's published guidance: Minimum 3.0 GPA
    Is Computer Science at Iowa State University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Computer Science at Iowa State University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.