Acceptance Fee Refund Policy

The $275 acceptance fee is specific to the term for which you accept your offer of admission. If you change your term of entry, you will be assessed this fee again.

Of the total amount, $140 is applied toward the New Student Programs fee (orientation and Destination Iowa State programs), and the remaining $135 is an advance payment on your university bill. If you contract for university residence halls or apartments, your $135 advance payment will be used to make your $135 housing prepayment. If you cancel your housing contract and/or your admission, your $275 acceptance fee may be partially refundable, depending upon the date by which the Office of Admissions or the Department of Residence receives your notice of cancellation.

Cancellations must be received in writing, either via e-mail or through the U.S. Postal Service. The table below indicates the amount that will be refunded.

Deadlines for Cancellation

  • Fall Semester - May 1
  • Spring Semester - November 1
  • Summer Session - May 1

Refund Schedule

Student Category Refund Amount
Canceled your admission prior to deadline and had not completed a university housing contract $255
Canceled your admission prior to deadline and had completed university housing contract $245
Canceled your admission after deadline and had not completed university housing contract $135
Canceled your admission after deadline and had completed university housing contract No refund.
Canceled your university housing contract prior to deadline, but still plan to enroll at Iowa State No direct refund. However, $125 will be credited to your university bill.
Canceled your university housing contract after the deadline, but still plan to enroll at Iowa State No refund. In addition, you will be assessed a housing cancellation fee. See note below

To cancel your admission (including housing), e-mail admissions@iastate.edu or write Office of Admissions, Alumni Hall, Ames, IA 50011. To cancel only your university housing contract, but still enroll at Iowa State, you must contact the Department of Residence directly (housing@iastate.edu or write to 2419 Friley Hall, Ames, IA 50011). If you wish to cancel your university housing contract but still enroll at Iowa State, deadline dates are critical to avoid a cancellation fee. See the important note below.

Important Note

If your notification is received after the deadline listed above, no refund will be issued. In addition, you will be assessed a housing cancellation fee in the amount of 80% of your university housing contract (equal to approximately $5,400 for a typical residence hall contract).

Students Interested in Joining a Fraternity or Sorority

Almost all women who join a sorority live in residence halls during their first year, while most men who join a fraternity move directly into the fraternity houses. If you are interested in moving into a Greek chapter house, you should keep in mind the following:

  • You may go ahead and submit a university residence hall or apartment contract to enhance your chances of getting your top housing preferences and to give you more time to decide whether you wish to move into a fraternity or sorority chapter house. Just remember that if you decide to move into a fraternity or sorority chapter house, it is critical that you cancel your contract by the deadline indicated above.
  • For students entering fall semester who cancel their university housing contract in order to move into a Greek chapter house that is in good standing with the Dean of Students Office: If you cancel your university housing contract between May 2 and August 1, you will not be refunded your $135 housing prepayment, but you will not be charged the 80% housing cancellation fee. If you cancel your university housing contract on August 2 or later, you will not be refunded your $135 housing prepayment, and you will be charged 80% of your university housing contract (equal to approximately $5,400 for a typical residence hall contract). Each fraternity and sorority house that occupies a chapter dwelling is allowed one exception to this policy. The penalty for the cancellation of this one contract per house will be 8% of the unused room and board fee, rather than 80%. Check with your individual chapter house for details.