At $21,398/yr net price, University of Iowa graduates earn $64,762/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,762/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,398 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,762/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,762/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,811/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,136/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,711/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,580/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $134,155 | $241,115 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $112,215 | $147,065 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $103,913 | $119,905 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $97,071 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,991 | $42,275 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $82,440 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,075 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,351 | $21,375 |
| Public Health. | Master | $69,757 | $37,882 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,657 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
73.1% of students at University of Iowa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Iowa delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings hitting $64,762 ten years after graduation against a manageable debt load of $22,500. The combination of reasonable in-state tuition and strong Iowa job market connections creates favorable economics for many majors.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Dentistry graduates earn $134,155 annually but carry $241,115 in debt, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario that works if you can handle the massive borrowing. Business administration offers the best balance at $96,991 in earnings with just $42,275 in debt. Nursing and pharmacy programs both clear six figures in earnings, though pharmacy students face $147,065 in debt.
The biggest financial risk at Iowa is the 73% graduation rate. More than one in four students never finish, meaning they carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 89% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so in later years, not due to poor freshman experience.
Iowa works financially if you can stick with a clear career path and avoid switching majors repeatedly. Out-of-state students face much higher costs and should carefully calculate whether the premium makes sense versus comparable programs in their home states. Only 18% of students receive institutional aid, so expect to pay close to sticker price.
Students unsure about their major or prone to changing directions should consider starting at a community college to reduce risk. Iowa's strength lies in professional programs with clear career outcomes, not exploratory education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Iowa worth the cost for most students?
University of Iowa offers decent value with a net price of $21,398 and 10-year earnings of $64,762. The relatively low debt burden of $22,500 makes it affordable compared to many state schools, though the 73% graduation rate means about 1 in 4 students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at University of Iowa?
Dentistry leads at $134,155 in median earnings, followed by pharmacy at $112,215 and nursing at $103,913. Business graduates earn $96,991, which is solid for a program with lower barriers to entry.
How much student debt do University of Iowa graduates typically have?
The median debt is $22,500, which is manageable given the school's earning outcomes. This debt level allows most graduates to maintain reasonable debt-to-income ratios in their first decade after graduation.
Does University of Iowa have good job placement after graduation?
With 86% acceptance rate and 73% graduation rate, University of Iowa is accessible but loses many students before completion. The $64,762 median earnings suggest decent job placement for those who graduate, particularly in health sciences and business.