About the acceptance fee policy

The $425 acceptance fee applies specifically to the term for which you accept your admission offer. If you defer your entry term by no more than one year, you typically will not be required to pay the fee again. However, the refund deadline for the original entry term remains in effect.

Here’s how the $425 acceptance fee is allocated:

  • $290 is applied to the New Student Programs fee, covering Orientation and Destination Iowa State programs.
  • $135 is an advance payment credited to your university bill.

Housing prepayment

If you contract for university housing, the $135 advance payment will serve as your housing prepayment. Should you cancel your housing contract or admission, the acceptance fee may be partially refundable depending on when the Office of Admissions or the Department of Residence receives your cancellation notice.

Refund requests

To withdraw your admission and request a partial refund of the acceptance fee, you must decline your admission offer via your Admissions MyAccount by the applicable deadlines.

Refund deadlines for acceptance fee

Fall semester: May 1

Spring semester: November 1

Summer semester: May 1

Please note: If you are admitted after the refund deadline, the acceptance fee is nonrefundable.

Decline your offer of admission

If you’ve decided to decline your offer of admission, we’re sorry to see you go! You can officially withdraw in your Admissions MyAccount.

Refund policy for admissions and university housing contracts

Admission cancellation (No longer planning to attend Iowa State)

Before deadline:

  • No housing contract submitted: Refund of $375
  • Housing contract submitted: Refund of $365

After deadline:

  • No housing contract submitted: Refund of $135
  • Housing contract submitted: No refund

Housing contract cancellation (Still attending Iowa State, but not living in university housing)

Before deadline:

  • Non-university housing: No direct refund, but $125 will be credited to your university bill.

After deadline:

  • Non-university housing: No refund. A cancellation fee is assessed:
    • Housing assignment: 50% of the rate
    • Dining meal plan: 80% of the rate

Housing guidance for students joining sororities or fraternities

Most women joining sororities live in residence halls during their first year, while some men joining fraternities move directly into fraternity houses.

If you're considering moving into a sorority or fraternity chapter house, it's a good idea to submit a university residence hall or apartment contract early. This increases your chances of securing your preferred housing and gives you time to decide if chapter house living is the right choice.

For contract cancellations after the deadline, consult with your sorority or fraternity—they may offer financial assistance to help with the transition.

Important: If you choose to move into a fraternity or sorority house, cancel your university housing contract by May 1.