At $21,057/yr net price, Loras College graduates earn $58,289/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,289/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,057 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,289/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,289/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,571/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,851/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,930/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,489/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,295/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,607 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,737 | $26,510 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $40,188 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $26,290 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,847 | $25,587 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,876 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
69.9% of students at Loras College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Loras College delivers modest financial returns that reflect its small liberal arts focus and Iowa's regional job market. The $58,289 median earnings after 10 years provides a reasonable but not strong return on your $21,057 annual investment, though the 30% of students who don't graduate face significant financial risk.
Accounting emerges as the clear financial winner at Loras, with graduates earning $51,607 annually. Business and marketing majors earn less than you might expect at $40,737 and $43,240 respectively, with marketing students carrying slightly higher debt loads. Liberal arts majors face particularly challenging returns, with English and Romance language graduates earning in the high $30,000s.
Your biggest financial risk at Loras is the graduation rate. Nearly one in three students leaves without a degree but often with debt, making this school unsuitable if you're uncertain about completing your program. The $26,000 median debt load remains manageable for most career paths, but only if you graduate.
Loras makes financial sense if you're committed to completing your degree and plan to stay in the Midwest, where the cost of living supports the earning levels. The school works best for students seeking accounting or business careers who value small class sizes over maximum earning potential.
Only 25% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. This makes Loras primarily viable for families who can afford the net price without significant borrowing or students confident in their ability to complete their studies efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loras College worth the cost?
Loras College graduates earn a median of $58,289 after 10 years, which is reasonable given the $21,057 annual net price and $26,000 typical debt load. The accounting program shows the strongest return at $51,607, while liberal arts majors like English and Romance Languages start around $37,000-40,000.
What are the best paying majors at Loras College?
Accounting leads with $51,607 median earnings, followed by Marketing at $43,240 and Business Administration at $40,737. Liberal arts programs like English and Romance Languages pay significantly less at $37,000-40,000 starting salaries.
How much debt do Loras College students graduate with?
The median debt at Loras College is $26,000, which is manageable compared to the $58,289 median graduate salary. With a 69.9% graduation rate, about 30% of students don't finish their degree.
Does Loras College have good financial aid?
Loras College's net price of $21,057 per year suggests decent financial aid for most students. The relatively low debt load of $26,000 indicates the school works to keep costs reasonable for graduates.