Biology at Luther College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Luther College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Luther College graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 32th percentile of all biology bachelors 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
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luther College | $29,359 | $42,543 | $27,000 | 0.92 |
| Upper Iowa University | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
| Coe College | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Grinnell College | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $26,000 |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $25,343 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $27,000 |
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $17,500 |
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.