Journalism at Drake University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Drake University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Drake University graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all journalism 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
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | $41,913 | $48,432 | — | — |
| Iowa State University | $39,347 | $47,655 | $23,250 | 0.59 |
| University of Iowa | $34,743 | $49,005 | $25,907 | 0.75 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University Ames | $10,497 | $39,347 | $23,250 |
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $34,743 | $25,907 |
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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.