Business, Management, Marketing, at Drake University

Drake's business program lands right at the national middle on estimated first-year earnings of $50,740, but the $26,500 in estimated debt—derived from similar private universities nationwide—raises questions about value when many business programs produce comparable starting salaries with substantially less borrowing. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates would dedicate roughly half their first year's salary to loans, a manageable but not ideal starting point for a major that typically offers strong employment prospects.

The program's position becomes clearer when you consider Drake's selective profile (SAT scores averaging 1288) alongside what similar private institutions typically produce. Nationally, business bachelor's programs span a wide range—from the median $50,740 to over $60,000 at the 75th percentile—suggesting that school reputation and network matter significantly in this field. Drake's Des Moines location could offer networking advantages in Iowa's financial and insurance sectors, though without school-specific outcomes, it's impossible to know whether graduates capitalize on this proximity.

For families comfortable with mid-range private university debt, this program aligns with national norms. However, if cost is a concern, Iowa's public alternatives might deliver similar business credentials at lower prices. The key uncertainty here is whether Drake's specific career services, alumni network, or local employer relationships justify the estimated debt load—information these peer-based estimates simply can't reveal.