At $22,604/yr net price, Wartburg College graduates earn $56,201/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,201/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,604 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,416 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,201/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,201/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,146/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,390/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,521/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,654/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,429/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $58,221 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $26,818 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,595 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $25,571 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $35,546 | $26,750 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $25,125 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.8% of students at Wartburg College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Wartburg College delivers solid financial returns for a small Iowa liberal arts school, with graduates earning a median $56,201 annually against manageable debt loads of $27,000. The 66.8% graduation rate creates some risk, but those who finish typically find employment in Iowa's stable job market.
Engineering Science leads earnings at $58,221, making it your best bet for maximizing returns. Accounting graduates earn $55,286 with slightly lower debt at $26,818, creating strong value in Iowa's finance sector. Business majors see more modest returns at $47,595, while education majors earn $41,193 despite similar debt levels.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the one-third graduation rate failure. Wartburg's 80.3% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year. If you're uncertain about your major or study habits, this creates expensive dropout risk. Mathematics majors face particular concern with earnings of just $42,682 despite the program's rigor.
Wartburg works financially if you're pursuing engineering, accounting, or business and can handle small-school academics. The low 21.5% receiving aid figure suggests limited need-based help, making this school better for middle-income families who don't qualify for substantial federal aid but can manage the $22,604 annual cost.
Skip Wartburg if you're considering education or liberal arts majors where earnings don't justify the private school premium. Iowa's public universities offer similar teacher preparation programs at lower cost. You should also look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid or prefer urban job markets where Wartburg's Iowa connections carry less weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wartburg College worth the cost for the average student?
With graduates earning $56,201 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $27,000, Wartburg College offers reasonable value for most students. The net price of $22,604 per year is manageable compared to many private colleges, though the 67% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Wartburg College?
Engineering Science leads at $58,221 annually, followed by Accounting at $55,286. Business majors earn $47,595 while education majors start at $41,193, reflecting typical teacher salary limitations in Iowa.
How much debt do Wartburg College graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable given graduate earnings of $56,201. This debt-to-income ratio puts most graduates in a position to repay loans without financial hardship.
Does Wartburg College have good job placement after graduation?
With a 97% acceptance rate and 67% graduation rate, Wartburg accepts nearly everyone but struggles to graduate all students. The school's graduate earnings of $56,201 are solid for Iowa, particularly in engineering and accounting fields.