Business Administration, Management and Operations at Iowa State University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Iowa State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Iowa State University graduates earn $95k, placing them in the 82th percentile of all business administration, management and operations masters 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
Business Administration, Management and Operations masters's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | $94,720 | $91,318 | — | — |
| University of Iowa | $116,611 | $129,359 | — | — |
| Drake University | $91,098 | $102,913 | — | — |
| Saint Ambrose University | $79,957 | $95,456 | — | — |
| University of Northern Iowa | $78,244 | — | — | — |
| Mount Mercy University | $76,631 | $78,142 | — | — |
| National Median | $72,789 | — | — | — |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $116,611 | — |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $91,098 | — |
| Saint Ambrose University Davenport | $35,598 | $79,957 | — |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $78,244 | — |
| Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids | $39,070 | $76,631 | — |
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 Iowa State University, approximately 18% 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.