Finance and Financial Management Services at Iowa State University

Iowa State's finance program produces graduates who earn more than both state and national medians, while carrying notably less debt than typical finance majors. With first-year earnings of $56,974—beating Iowa's median by over $4,000—graduates start ahead of most in-state alternatives, ranking in the 60th percentile among Iowa's dozen finance programs. The debt picture is even more favorable: at $21,750, Iowa State graduates carry about $3,000 less than the state average and nearly $1,600 below the national median, translating to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The earnings trajectory shows steady professional growth, with 14% gains by year four reaching $64,793. While this places Iowa State behind private options like Drake or Iowa, you're looking at a roughly $5,000 earnings gap against significantly lower debt loads—Drake's finance graduates, for instance, likely carry higher private school debt. The combination of Iowa State's 89% admission rate and solid outcomes suggests accessibility paired with real career preparation rather than hyper-selective gatekeeping.

For in-state students especially, this represents strong value: competitive starting salaries, below-average debt, and reliable earnings growth. The program delivers what finance degrees should—entry into a well-compensated field without excessive financial burden to get there.