At $18,165/yr net price, Iowa State University graduates earn $63,386/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,386/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,165 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,386/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,386/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,869 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,734/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,465/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,430/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,807/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,827/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $94,408 | $30,724 |
| Statistics. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $89,059 | |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $77,119 | $138,980 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,839 | $23,750 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,321 | $25,020 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,734 | $21,775 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,680 | $22,707 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,083 | $19,609 |
| Plant Sciences. | Master | $68,219 |
The Risk Factor
75.5% of students at Iowa State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Iowa State University delivers solid financial returns for most students, with engineering programs leading the pack and agricultural fields providing steady regional opportunities. Your median earnings of $63,386 after 10 years comfortably exceed the $18,165 annual net price, creating a favorable payback timeline even with the typical $22,869 in student debt.
Engineering majors get the strongest financial payoff here. Electrical engineering graduates earn $94,408 annually while computer engineering majors pull in $73,839 with manageable debt loads. Industrial engineering also performs well at $89,059. These programs tap into Iowa's growing tech sector and benefit from the university's strong industry connections in the Midwest.
Veterinary medicine presents a financial trap despite Iowa State's national reputation in the field. While graduates earn $77,119, they carry $138,980 in debt - creating a brutal debt-to-income ratio that will strain your finances for years. Only pursue this path if you have significant family financial support or are genuinely passionate about veterinary work.
Your biggest financial risk comes from choosing lower-earning majors at a school where engineering and technical fields dominate employer recruitment. Iowa's job market heavily favors technical skills, so liberal arts graduates may struggle to find high-paying local opportunities.
Iowa State works best financially if you can get in-state tuition and target engineering, computer science, or agriculture programs. Out-of-state students should compare carefully against their home state options. The 75.5% graduation rate means one in four students never finish, making program selection and academic preparation critical to avoiding wasted tuition dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa State University worth the cost for engineering students?
Iowa State's engineering programs deliver strong ROI, with electrical engineering graduates earning $94,408 annually and industrial engineering graduates making $89,059. The $18,165 annual net price makes these high-paying programs a solid investment.
What is the average debt for Iowa State University graduates?
Iowa State graduates carry a median debt of $22,869, which is manageable given the school's $63,386 average earnings after 10 years. Engineering and statistics majors face even better debt-to-income ratios.
Are Iowa State University graduates financially successful after college?
Iowa State graduates earn $63,386 on average 10 years after graduation, above the national median. However, outcomes vary significantly by major, with engineering and statistics graduates earning 40-50% more than the school average.
Does Iowa State University provide good value compared to other schools?
Iowa State offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $18,165 and strong job placement in technical fields. The 75.5% graduation rate is concerning, meaning one in four students don't finish their degree.