At $23,172/yr net price, Upper Iowa University graduates earn $52,766/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,766/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,172 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,688 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,766/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,766/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,503/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,324/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,842/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,127/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,690/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $39,872 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $25,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,781 | $21,155 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $53,984 | $50,069 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,294 | $26,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $26,284 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,054 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $17,586 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $29,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,768 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.5% of students at Upper Iowa University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Upper Iowa University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $52,766 against a net price of $23,172 annually, you'll struggle to justify the cost when nearly 60% of students drop out before graduating.
Business administration and nursing offer the strongest earning potential, with business management graduates earning $63,005 and nurses making nearly $60,000. However, business students carry debt loads approaching $40,000, which undermines the salary advantage. Nursing graduates manage better debt-to-income ratios with median debt around $21,000.
Public administration programs show concerning inconsistency, with identical degree names producing vastly different outcomes. One track leads to $61,516 in earnings with $25,000 debt, while another results in $53,984 earnings but $50,000 debt. This suggests weak program quality control and makes public administration a gamble.
The 41% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying positions. The low 59% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
Only 33% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for affordability. You should seriously consider community college or in-state public options unless you receive substantial merit scholarships.
Upper Iowa works financially only if you're committed to nursing or business management, confident in your ability to graduate, and have family support or significant aid. Everyone else should look at more affordable alternatives with stronger graduation rates and regional employment connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Iowa University worth the cost?
Upper Iowa University's value depends heavily on your program choice. Business and nursing graduates earn $59,000-$63,000 annually, which justifies the $23,172 yearly cost, but other programs may not offer strong returns. The 41% graduation rate is concerning and affects overall ROI.
What are the best paying programs at Upper Iowa University?
Business Administration and Public Administration lead with starting salaries around $61,000-$63,000. Nursing graduates earn about $60,000 annually. These programs offer the strongest financial returns at Upper Iowa University.
How much debt do Upper Iowa University graduates have?
Upper Iowa University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000. With top program graduates earning $60,000+ annually, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio of about 40%.
Does Upper Iowa University have good job placement rates?
Upper Iowa University's 41% graduation rate suggests significant completion challenges that impact job outcomes. While graduates in business and nursing programs earn decent salaries, nearly 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degrees.