New Graduate Students

Welcome to the Economics Graduate Program!

2021 new grad studentsYou will find information here about getting started at Iowa State.

We are excited to have 8 new Ph.D students for the 2022-2023 school year. As we receive permission to post their information, we will continue to update the list of new students.

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 Orientation page to learn about options for temporary housing and transportation from the airport.

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 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

  • Welcome Meeting (Wednesday, August 2)
  • Orientation Week (Monday, August 14 - Friday August 18) 
  • First day of classes (Monday, August 21)

Most of the following can be done on your own or during orientation week:

  • Obtain your Student ID card (red ISU card) at 0530 Beardshear.
  • Obtain an ISU NetID (email address) online or in 195 Durham.
  • Attend departmental meetings as scheduled during math camp and orientation week.
  • Ph.D. students take the departmental placement examination as scheduled.
  • Sign a release form to have your ID photograph used in the display case.
  • 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

  • Schedule a time to check-in with the International Students and Scholars Office and schedule your health screening appointment. 
  • 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. 
  • Attend ISSO New Student Orientation. More information and a detailed schedule will be available later in the summer.

Contact us

Contact us at econgrad@iastate.edu (515) 294-2702.