Biology at Drake University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Drake's biology program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings—which sounds impressive until you look closer at Iowa. At $41,226 first-year, it lands squarely in the middle of the state's biology programs (60th percentile), trailing two regional competitors and barely edging out Grinnell. The debt load of $25,343 is typical for biology majors, yielding a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, but nothing about these numbers screams premium value for a private school education.
The strong earnings growth—53% by year four—does suggest graduates find their footing, reaching $63,077 in the medium term. That trajectory matters for biology majors who often need additional credentials or time to advance beyond entry-level lab positions. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means a few physicians or pharmacists in graduate school could be inflating these figures significantly.
For parents weighing Drake against state alternatives, the value case isn't clear-cut. You're looking at similar outcomes to Upper Iowa and Grand View at likely higher tuition costs. Unless Drake offers specific research opportunities, graduate school connections, or networking advantages that matter to your student's career path, the premium may be hard to justify based purely on earnings data.
Where Drake University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Drake University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Drake University graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
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
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
| Upper Iowa University | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
| Coe College | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Grinnell College | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| William Penn University | $36,449 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $26,000 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $27,000 |
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $17,500 |
| William Penn University Oskaloosa | $28,750 | $36,449 | $27,000 |
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 Drake University, approximately 21% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.