Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,108
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,869 | $20,426 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $11,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,140 |
Outcomes Overview
Iowa Lakes graduates earn a median of $43,108 ten years after completing their programs. With typical debt of $12,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 28 percent. Monthly loan payments of $127 represent about 3.5 percent of gross income, well below the recommended 10 percent threshold. The college's 98.1 percent employment rate reflects strong demand for graduates in agriculture, wind energy, and skilled trades throughout rural Iowa. Many alumni find work at local farms, manufacturing plants, and renewable energy companies. The combination of low debt, solid earnings potential, and near-universal employment creates a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career training.