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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky. At $23,172 a year net, you graduate with median earnings that barely clear $52,000 a decade out, and a 41.5% graduation rate means fewer than half of you finish. That combination is the core problem: you pay private-college prices with a real chance of leaving without a degree and still carrying debt.
The programs that pay off here are clear. Public administration and nursing are the two that justify the cost, both clearing $59,000 with nursing carrying the lowest debt of any program listed. If you enroll for nursing, the math works in your favor. Business, accounting, and marketing all land in the low-to-mid $40,000s while carrying debt above $25,000, so those degrees leave you paying private tuition for public-college earnings. Accounting is the weakest deal on the list, pairing the second-lowest pay with the highest debt.
The specific risk is retention. Under 60% of you return after your first year, and that dropout risk hits hardest if you borrow and leave before finishing. Median debt sits at $25,000, which is manageable on nursing pay but heavy on a marketing salary.
The net price tiers here are strange. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the most of any group at $27,503, more than families earning over $110,000. That inverted structure means the lowest-income families get the worst deal. The sweet spot is the $30,000 to $48,000 range at roughly $19,300.
Upper Iowa fits you if you're set on nursing or public administration and will finish. If you're undecided or drawn to the business majors, a cheaper public school gets you the same earnings for less.
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.