Computer Software and Media Applications at Graceland University-Lamoni

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 looks reasonable on paper, but the underlying numbers tell a more complicated story for Graceland's software program. Based on national peers, first-year earnings around $38,000 coupled with $25,600 in debt means graduates would devote roughly two-thirds of their first year's salary to paying off their loans—a significant burden when you're trying to establish financial independence in an entry-level tech role.

What complicates this picture is that software development salaries in the broader market often start considerably higher than these estimated figures suggest. The national median of $38,000 sits well below what many tech employers pay even for junior positions, and the 75th percentile nationally—$52,000—hints that stronger programs produce substantially better outcomes. With only six schools offering this program in Iowa and none with publicly reported data, it's difficult to gauge whether Graceland's approach aligns with industry demand or if graduates struggle to compete for better-paying positions.

For a family considering this investment, the core question is whether this particular program can connect your student to the higher end of the earnings spectrum. Given the school's 83% admission rate and nearly half its students receiving Pell grants, it serves many families for whom $25,600 in debt represents real financial risk. Before committing, push the school for specific placement outcomes: where do graduates actually work, and what do they earn? The estimates suggest modest returns that may not justify the cost without clearer evidence of success.