ISU is best known for its degree programs in engineering and agriculture. The Family and Consumer Sciences and Education colleges are in the process of merging, and a new name has not yet been decided. ISU is also home of one of the first computers, the Atanasoff Berry Computer.

It consists of the following colleges:

• Agriculture 
• Business 
• Design 
• Education 
• Engineering 
• Family and Consumer Sciences 
• Liberal Arts and Sciences 
• Veterinary Medicine 

In addition to these eight colleges, the Graduate College  oversees graduate study in all fields.