University of Iowa ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,856
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$17,696/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
707%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Iowa has a high return on investment. The average in-state tuition is $10,964. One year after graduation, alumni earn $47,110, which is more than four times the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, alumni earn $52,696, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $64,762.
The median debt for University of Iowa graduates is $22,500. With an average starting salary of $47,110, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.48. This indicates a manageable debt burden relative to earnings.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the total cost of education, is within the first year after graduation. The initial earnings of $47,110 significantly outweigh the tuition cost of $10,964.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,964
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$52,696
Graduation Rate
73%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $129,359 | 4203% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $52,028 | 677% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $76,298 | 1783% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $79,851 | 1945% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $121,799 | 3858% |
| Psychology, General | $45,188 | 365% |
| Marketing | $63,149 | 1184% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $76,915 | 1811% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,246 | 869% |
| Economics | $66,230 | 1324% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $50,705 | 616% |
| Journalism | $49,696 | 570% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.