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University of Northern Iowa delivers the strongest value proposition for finance students in Iowa, with a net price of just $14,609 leading to median earnings of $49,752. This represents nearly a $20,000 cost advantage over Drake University, which commands $30,042 but produces the highest graduate earnings at $57,705. Iowa's finance programs benefit from the state's insurance industry concentration, with Principal Financial Group and other major insurers providing abundant internship and career opportunities. The 12 programs span a notable earnings range from $41,193 to $57,705, reflecting both program quality differences and the varied financial sectors across the state.
12
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$49,070
Avg. Program Earnings
63.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $49,752 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $50,060 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $18,321 $47,260 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
4 $21,398 $54,073 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
5 $21,616 $46,478 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
6 $22,750 $47,260 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
7 $23,435 $47,846 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
8 $30,042 $57,705 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
9 $23,172 $41,193 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
10 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
11 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
12 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa such good value for finance students?

UNI combines the lowest net cost at $14,609 with solid median earnings of $49,752, creating an excellent return on investment. The school maintains a 68.90% graduation rate while accepting nearly 95% of applicants, making quality finance education accessible to most students.

How much do Iowa finance graduates typically earn compared to their debt loads?

Most Iowa finance programs produce favorable debt-to-earnings ratios, with median debt ranging from $17,586 to $25,000. Even Upper Iowa University graduates, who earn the lowest median salary at $41,193, carry just $17,586 in debt, while Drake graduates earn $57,705 against $25,000 in debt.

Is there a significant difference between public and private finance programs in Iowa?

Public universities offer substantially lower net costs, with Iowa State at $18,165 and University of Iowa at $21,398, compared to private schools averaging over $22,000. However, Drake University justifies its $30,042 cost with the highest graduate earnings at $57,705.

Where do Iowa finance graduates find the best career opportunities?

Iowa's strong insurance sector, anchored by Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, provides excellent career paths for finance graduates. The state's agricultural economy also creates demand for commodity trading, agricultural lending, and risk management specialists across rural and urban markets.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.