Business Administration, Management and Operations at Clarke University

Clarke University's business program starts significantly behind both state and national norms, with first-year graduates earning $38,921—about $10,000 less than the Iowa median for business majors and nearly $7,000 below the national benchmark. This places graduates in just the 25th percentile among Iowa business programs, trailing regional competitors like Iowa State ($57,188) and Saint Ambrose ($60,163) by substantial margins. The debt load of $27,000 matches the Iowa median, but when paired with below-average earnings, it creates a less favorable financial picture than families might expect from a business degree.

The silver lining is meaningful earnings growth: by year four, median pay jumps to $55,688, a 43% increase that brings graduates much closer to their peers. This trajectory suggests the degree eventually provides career mobility, but those early years of lower earnings matter—particularly for loan repayment and establishing financial footing after college.

For families considering Clarke's business program, understand you're likely accepting a slower start than you'd get at larger Iowa universities. If Clarke offers other compelling advantages—smaller classes, specific mentorship, or a significantly better financial aid package—this tradeoff might work. Otherwise, the combination of below-median starting salaries and average debt suggests exploring how other Iowa business programs might better position graduates from day one.