University of Iowa
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
vs 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 an average of $47,110. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $52,696, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $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 favorable. The university has a high retention rate of 89.3% and a graduation rate of 73.4%.
Given the tuition cost and average earnings, the break-even point for graduates is relatively short. The high starting salaries and increasing earnings over time indicate a positive return on investment for University of Iowa graduates.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $43,856 | $52,028 | 677% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $43,856 | $76,298 | 1783% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,856 | $129,359 | 4203% |
| Psychology, General. | $43,856 | $45,188 | 365% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,856 | $66,009 | 1314% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $43,856 | $79,851 | 1945% |
| Marketing. | $43,856 | $63,149 | 1184% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $43,856 | $64,690 | 1254% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $43,856 | $56,246 | 869% |
| Economics. | $43,856 | $66,230 | 1324% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $43,856 | $50,705 | 616% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $43,856 | $76,915 | 1811% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.