Analysis
Luther College biology graduates start slowly but see impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 45% from $29,359 to $42,543 over four years—ultimately landing them above both national and Iowa medians. That first year is rough, ranking in just the 32nd percentile nationally and 40th in Iowa, but by year four, graduates are outearning peers from most Iowa programs. The $27,000 debt load (5th percentile nationally, meaning lower than 95% of programs) makes the initial struggle more manageable than it might be elsewhere.
What's happening here? Many Luther biology graduates likely pursue positions requiring additional training or certification—lab work, research positions, or healthcare-adjacent roles where entry salaries are modest but growth potential is real. The pattern suggests graduates are building careers rather than just landing jobs. Within Iowa's biology landscape, Luther sits mid-pack initially but the trajectory matters: by year four, only a handful of schools show higher earnings.
For parents willing to weather a lean first year or two after graduation, the combination of strong earnings growth and genuinely low debt creates a reasonable path forward. This isn't the program for families needing immediate return on investment, but the four-year numbers suggest Luther biology graduates find their footing and build momentum that exceeds what most Iowa biology programs deliver.
Where Luther College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Luther College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luther College | $29,359 | $42,543 | +45% |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | +53% |
| Saint Ambrose University | $30,825 | $61,468 | +99% |
| Wartburg College | $34,398 | $60,804 | +77% |
| Morningside University | $32,620 | $52,416 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Luther CollegeDecorah | $50,320 | $29,359 | $42,543 | $27,000 | 0.92 |
 Upper Iowa UniversityFayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
 Grand View UniversityDes Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
 Drake UniversityDes Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
 Coe CollegeCedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Grinnell CollegeGrinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Luther College, approximately 19% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.