As the state's largest and only land-grant institution, Iowa State University's mission is to create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place. While Iowa State offers all the opportunities of a large university, there are many programs that help students get acquainted and transition to college life and become successful graduates.

Learning Communities:

Learning communities provide a supportive network between students, peer mentors and professors. They are groups of students taking courses together with many living in the same residence hall. Other characteristics include study groups, career exploration, introduction to university resources, community service projects, and social activities.

U.S. News & World Report rated Iowa State University's learning communities as top 25 in the nation. Having served nearly 50,000 Cyclones through 80 learning communities and drawing in over 70% of first-year students, many participants earn higher first-semester grades and persist longer at Iowa State.

Student Clubs and Organizations:

Iowa State provides opportunities to participate in more than 850 recognized clubs and organizations. With over 5,000 students in officer positions, these extracurricular activities offer more leadership opportunities than other universities.

Learn more at ClubFest on Sept. 3, 11a.m. - 4p.m. in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

Career Services:

Job opportunities for students and alumni are offered through the CyHire job board. While many employers hope to hire one candidate, some hire over 50 Iowa State students and alumni each year! Through CyHire and other services, 2,943 employers recruited Cyclone talent during the 2013-2014 academic year, and the number is expected to be higher this year. The university also holds eight career fairs each year, and many colleges host on-campus interviews between students and employers.

Did you know? Iowa State University is among the nation's top 45 in providing well-prepared graduates, according to a 2009 Wall Street Journal survey of recruiters.