Business/Commerce at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's business program sits right at the state median for first-year earnings, with comparable programs in Iowa typically producing around $52,000. But here's what deserves attention: by year four, actual reported earnings for this program drop to $46,864—a decline that runs counter to the typical career trajectory and places it below the national median of $47,506. That backward slide raises questions about career momentum or perhaps the types of roles graduates are finding.

The estimated debt load of $23,624 is relatively manageable, coming in below both state and national benchmarks and producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45. That's a solid financial starting point compared to what you'd see at many Iowa business schools. However, the declining earnings trend means that initial advantage may not compound the way you'd hope. When peer programs like Mount Mercy and Wartburg show stronger first-year numbers and you're looking at a program where earnings actually drop over time, it suggests either industry-specific challenges or perhaps a concentration of graduates in lower-growth sectors.

The takeaway: The debt picture is reasonable, but the earnings decline between years one and four is unusual enough that you'd want to understand what's driving it—whether it's graduates shifting industries, regional market factors, or something about career placement. That downward trajectory, even from an already modest starting point, makes this harder to evaluate as a clear-cut investment.