Iowa State University (ISU) is a public research university located in Ames, Iowa. It was founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, becoming the first land-grant institution in the United States. Today, ISU is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, as well as its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and the sciences.
The university is organized into eight colleges, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Engineering. In addition to its undergraduate programs, ISU offers more than 100 master’s degree programs and over 80 doctoral degree programs.
One of ISU’s most well-known traditions is the annual VEISHEA celebration, which stands for “Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics, and Agriculture.” This week-long event includes a parade, a talent show, a carnival, and other activities that showcase the university’s programs and traditions. However, in 2014, the university cancelled VEISHEA due to safety concerns, and the event has not been held since.
ISU is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Bioeconomy Institute, the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence, and the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals. These facilities provide students and faculty with opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge research projects and to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Iowa State University (Wikimedia)
To know more about Iowa State University, let’s take a look at these 38 interesting facts about Iowa State University.
- Iowa State University was the first land-grant institution in the United States.
- The university was originally called the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm.
- Iowa State University was founded in 1858.
- The university’s mascot is Cy the Cardinal.
- Iowa State University’s official colors are cardinal and gold.
- The Iowa State Cyclones compete in the Big 12 Conference.
- The university has over 36,000 students.
- Iowa State University is the largest university in the state of Iowa.
- The university has over 800 student organizations.
- Iowa State University has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- The university offers over 100 majors.
- ISU is a leader in sustainability, with over 2,200 solar panels on campus.
- The university is home to over 30 research centers and institutes.
- Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens feature over 17 acres of outdoor gardens.
- The university’s Memorial Union has a bowling alley, billiards, and a movie theater.
- Iowa State University has its own airport, the Ames Municipal Airport.
- The university is home to the College of Veterinary Medicine, one of only three in the state.
- ISU has a long-standing tradition of homecoming celebrations, dating back to 1912.
- The university is known for its architecture, including the Beardshear Hall and the Campanile.
- Iowa State University has a strong program in agriculture, with over 50 majors in the field.
- ISU is home to the Ames Laboratory, which conducts research in materials science and engineering.
- Iowa State University’s Dining Services was ranked the best in the nation by the Princeton Review in 2021.
- The university has a partnership with the Iowa State Fair, which takes place annually in August.
- ISU is home to the largest public art collection in the state of Iowa.
- The university has a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop biofuels.
- Iowa State University is a leader in wind energy research.
- The university has its own radio station, KURE.
- ISU is a member of the Association of American Universities.
- The Iowa State Cyclones football team has won two Big 12 championships.
- The university has a strong program in engineering, with over 15 majors in the field.
- ISU has a strong program in the sciences, with majors in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Iowa State University is known for its strong program in veterinary medicine.
- The university has its own television station, ISUtv.
- ISU is home to the Iowa State Daily, a student-run newspaper.
- The university has over 800 acres of campus.
- Iowa State University’s athletics teams have won over 100 conference championships.
- The university has a strong program in business, with over 10 majors in the field.
- ISU is a leader in computer science and technology.
Iowa State University is a leading institution of higher education, known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, sciences, and veterinary medicine. With over 29,000 students and 800 student organizations, ISU provides a vibrant and dynamic learning environment. The university is committed to sustainability, research, and innovation, and is home to many research centers and institutes, including the Ames Laboratory and the Virtual Reality Applications Center. With its strong athletic program, extensive campus, and rich traditions, Iowa State University is a cherished institution in the state of Iowa and beyond.