Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (5 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Dordt University$69,444
Saint Ambrose University$73,622$26,9960.37
Iowa State University$72,900$81,779$23,5000.32
University of Iowa$71,732$76,903$23,1090.32
National Median$70,744$24,7550.35

Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Iowa

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport
$35,598$73,622$26,996
Iowa State University
Ames
$10,497$72,900$23,500
University of Iowa
Iowa City
$10,964$71,732$23,109

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Dordt University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.