Welcome to the Economics Graduate Program!
We are excited to have 11 new Ph.D. students for the 2025-2026 school year. You will find information here about the department and getting started at Iowa State.
The Graduate College provides information about Academics, Campus Services, Finance/Tuition, Community Programs/Assistance, and information for International Students. There are also a variety of university resources to help with your transition to Iowa State.
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) represents the graduate students' perspective on campus issues and serves as a liaison between graduate students and the university administration.
Pre-Arrival Information
International Students
The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) provides information and support for international students both prior to your arrival and after arriving on campus. Please make sure to visit their New Student page to learn about required appoinments and orientation activities.
Housing
Visit Resources for housing to learn about both off-campus housing and on-campus residence options.
Ames ranks as #15 on Livability's 2020 Top 100 places to live: "ridiculously friendly people and a quality of life you won’t find anywhere else."
Expenses
See the Cost of Attendance for listings of estimated student expenses for a nine-month academic year. Please note that the Office of Admissions and Office of Student Financial Aid updates these figures so they may increase in future academic years .These figures are only estimates and can also vary student to student.
Things to do upon arrival
- Math Camp (Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 22)
- Welcome Meeting (TBD)
- Orientation Week (Monday, August 18 - Friday August 22)
- First day of classes (Monday, August 25)
Most of the following can be done on your own or during orientation week:
- Complete matriculation items in Workday.
- Obtain your Student ID card (red ISU card) at 0530 Beardshear.
- Attend departmental meetings as scheduled during math camp and orientation week.
- Ph.D. students take the departmental placement examination as scheduled. More information will be sent out about this over the summer.
- Have your picture taken for the department website and student display.
- Students on assistantship need to sign up for payroll at the Records Management Office, 3810 Beardshear Hall. You will need 2 forms of ID, bank deposit information, and your I-9.
- Health insurance is provided for students on assistantship. See the Students & Scholars Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) website for more information.
International Students
- Complete all required activities and new student items through (ISSO).
- Take the English Placement examination. You must register online for the test before going to the testing place. Some students may qualify for a waiver and are not required to take the test. More information is available on their website.
- Sign up for and complete the Oral English Certification Test (OECT). You must register online for the test before going to the testing place. Some students may qualify for a waiver and are not required to take the test. More information is available on their website.
- Apply for your Social Security Number two weeks after entry to the US. The Social Security Office is located at 2615 University Blvd., Ames, IA.
Questions? Contact us at econgrad@iastate.edu (515) 294-2702.