Business Administration, Management and Operations at Loras College

Loras College's business program lands in the bottom half for Iowa, with first-year earnings of $41,810 trailing the state median by over $7,000. While the program ranks at the 40th percentile statewide, Iowa's business programs generally perform well—meaning even an average showing here still leaves graduates earning less than peers at nearby schools like Saint Ambrose ($60,163) or Iowa State ($57,188).

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, it matches both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio. This isn't crushing debt, and graduates should be able to handle payments without severe financial strain. However, the earnings gap compared to other Iowa programs means Loras graduates will take longer to reach the same financial milestones as their peers elsewhere in the state.

The core issue isn't affordability—it's competitiveness. Your child will graduate with typical debt but below-average earning power for an Iowa business grad. Given Loras's 92% admission rate, families should seriously weigh whether the premium for a private liberal arts education translates into career outcomes. If your child is choosing between Loras and a stronger-performing Iowa program, the numbers favor looking elsewhere unless non-financial factors like campus culture or specific programs make Loras uniquely appealing.