Location: Des Moines, IA•In-State Tuition: $49,944•Admission Rate: 64%•Avg SAT: 1288
Median Earnings (1yr)
$80,044
95th percentile
80th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$23,979
3% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.30 ManageableSample: 49 graduates

Analysis

Drake University's quantitative methods graduates earn $80,044 in their first year—nearly 30% above the national median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. More importantly for Iowa families, this significantly outpaces the state median of $59,682 and trails only the University of Iowa among in-state options. The $23,979 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can expect to earn more than three times their debt in their first year alone.

The earnings trajectory reinforces this program's strength: graduates see their income jump 28% to over $102,000 by year four. While the sample size is moderate (30-100 graduates), this consistent pattern suggests the program delivers practical skills that employers value and compensate accordingly. The data represents a broad enough cohort to be meaningful, even if not definitive.

For Iowa families weighing the investment, Drake's premium over Iowa State or smaller private colleges appears justified by the outcomes. At roughly $24,000 in debt, you're looking at one of the stronger return-on-investment scenarios in business analytics education, particularly for students who want to stay in the Midwest rather than relocate to coastal tech hubs. The program punches well above its weight given Drake's 64% admission rate.

Where Drake University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Drake UniversityOther management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Drake University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Drake University earns $80k — 95th percentile among management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Drake University$80,044$102,111+28%
New York University$102,572$129,049+26%
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$73,618$104,448+42%
University of Iowa$70,324$79,851+14%
Saint Ambrose University$49,039$55,828+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Drake UniversityDes Moines$49,944$80,044$102,111$23,9790.30
University of IowaIowa City$10,964$70,324$79,851$21,5000.31
Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport$35,598$49,039$55,828$26,9350.55
Cornell CollegeMount Vernon$50,634$42,127———
National Median—$62,069—$23,2500.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.