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 gives you a solid financial return, especially if you land in engineering or computing. You borrow a median of about $23,000 and leave with median earnings that clear $63,000 a decade out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy, and the 87% retention rate means most people who start actually finish, which is the single biggest factor in whether college pays off for you.
The engineering and computing majors are where the money is. Computer engineering and electrical engineering both land you above $73,000, and computer science and construction engineering aren't far behind. The debt loads for these are roughly the same as the campus median, so the higher pay is close to free upside. Construction engineering stands out: you earn about $70,000 while carrying under $20,000 in debt, the best debt-to-pay tradeoff on this list.
The risk here is that these strong numbers come from a narrow band of technical programs. Iowa State is a large land-grant school with plenty of agriculture, education, and liberal arts majors that don't appear on the top-earnings list. If you're not in engineering or computing, don't assume the $63,000 median applies to you,that figure is pulled up by the high-paying fields, and your major matters more than the school average.
The net price tiers are gentle at the bottom. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $11,700 a year. if you're over $110,000, it's closer to $21,800. That spread means lower-income families get real relief, and the school stays affordable across the income range.
This is a good fit if you're heading into a technical field and want in-state or Midwest engineering jobs. If you're pursuing a lower-paying major, run the numbers on your specific field before committing.
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.