USDA VS FHA in Ames, Story County, IA

In 2026, the USDA loan ceiling for Ames, within the bounds of Story county, IA, is $336,500. Comparatively, the FHA cap for a single-family home is $472,030.

Utilize the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator to assess today’s leading USDA and FHA rates, establishing the income, credit score, reserves, and documentation required for qualification. Our sophisticated mortgage calculator offers a side-by-side view of USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA loans, aiding your decision on the optimal program for your financial needs in .

Browse loan offers from 100 diverse lenders

2026 Loan Ceilings and Down Payment Essentials in Ames, Story County, IA

Loan Type Loan Ceiling Initial Payment
USDA $336,500 0%
FHA $472,030 3.5%
Conventional Conforming $726,200 3%

Exploring USDA and FHA Loan Paths in Ames, IA

The objective of Lendersa® is to help you secure the most suitable USDA or FHA loan swiftly and with ease. Choose from three initial approaches that align you with lenders and USDA loan options.

Match outcomes from Lendersa USDA loan requests

Understanding USDA Loans in IA

A USDA home loan, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is frequently referred to as a USDA rural development mortgage and is exclusively available in rural locations. Unlike FHA loans requiring at least a 3.5% down payment, a USDA mortgage needs no down payment.

Enter your location to find out if it qualifies for USDA rural housing loan?



  • The Stephenson National Bank and Trust
  • 1820 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI, 54143
  • The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT) has been providing banking services to the tri-county area for 142 years and we consider the loyalty of both new and longtime customers as the key to our success. Our community has recognized our integrity, leadership and customer service by being voted the “Best Bank” for the sixth time, and 'Best Financ

  • Western Nebraska Bank
  • 301 Center Ave, Curtis, NE, 69025
  • Since 1910, Western Nebraska Bank has been known for the friendliness and personal relationships that characterize a rural community. Today our progressive leadership is looking ahead to the opportunities of the next hundred years as agriculture and banking technology develop locally and globally.

    To our customers, we pledge performance excell

  • Deer River Coop Credit Union
  • 51 2nd Street SE, Deer River, MN, 56636
  • The Deer River Coop Credit Union provides many services to its members including share savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, IRAs, credit and debit cards and a variety of loans. At the Deer River Coop Credit Union you are a person with a face that we recognize, not just an account number.

  • Hibbing Cooperative Credit Union
  • 217 West 42nd Street, Hibbing, MN, 55746
  • Hibbing Co-op Credit Union (HCCU) has been serving the communities of the Iron Range and the neighboring area with a complete array of financial services since 1939. HCCU is a non-profit, member owned cooperative financial institution with membership privileges available to all residents of northern Minnesota.

  • United Savings Credit Union
  • 1001 1st Avenue N, Fargo, ND, 58102
  • United Savings Credit Union is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, educating members and helping them succeed financially. Visit us online for more information.

    United Savings Credit Union has been open since 1935. It's the 13th largest credit union in North Dakota with assets totaling $81.35 Million

  • Freedom Community Credit Union
  • 2940 N University Drive, Fargo, ND, 58102
  • Freedom Community Credit Union is a member-owned and controlled financial organization. We promote financial responsibility and member education and involvement while maintaining long-term financial stability.Credit Union is a member-owned and controlled financial organization. We promote financial responsibility and member education

  • Fargo Federal Employee Federal Credit Union
  • 657 2nd Avenue North, Room 450, Fargo, ND, 58102
  • FFE Federal Credit Union has been open since 1954. The credit union has assets totaling $4.93 Million and provides banking services to more than 500 members.

    The credit union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative providing services to government employee members.

  • Fargo VA Federal Credit Union
  • 2101 North Elm Street, Fargo, ND, 58102
  • At Fargo VA Federal Credit Union, our members are our first priority. If you have questions or concerns, we want to know.

    We provide products and services that help the financial stability and economic growth for both our members and our community.

    As part of your community, we plan for the future to help individuals

  • American Federal Bank
  • 215 5th St N, Fargo, ND, 58102
  • At American Federal Bank, we know our clients and understand their farm and business operations. Our clients have confidence in the advice and solutions we offer to help them reach their goals. They know and trust that we will take care of them. Clients tell us they'd recommend American Federal in a heartbeat!

  • Carson Bank
  • 122 West Main Street, Mulvane, KS, 67110
  • Our purpose at Carson Bank is to strengthen our home communities by providing knowledgeable and trustworthy financial solutions to fulfill individual, commercial, and public financial needs. The As your trusted advisor and friend, We are attentive, caring, and accommodating to every customer who visits our bank.

  • Farmers Credit Union
  • 2825 Plaza Avenue, Hays, KS, 67601
  • The Farmers Credit Union was founded in 1953. The first location was an office located in the Farmers Co-op Building. The original capital was obtained by proceeds from a bake sale. Anyone who is a resident of Ellis County or adjoining counties is eligible to be a member of the Farmers Credit Union.

  • Bank of Hays
  • 1000 W 27th St, Hays, KS, 67601
  • Bank of Hays offers HELOC's with competitive rates and terms. A HELOC loan can be used for many different purposes: a vacation, your child's education, home improvement, or unforeseen emergencies. A HELOC from Bank of Hays allows you to "make your own loan" as the need arises. Borrow as little as $5, 000.