Computer and Information Sciences at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's computer science program starts graduates slightly below the state median ($60,199 versus $60,397), but that's only part of the story. The real value emerges in years 2-4, when earnings jump 28% to reach $76,915—well above both Iowa and national benchmarks. This growth trajectory suggests graduates are successfully landing roles with advancement potential, even if starting positions are more modest.

The debt picture is reasonable at $26,025, creating a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than nearly two-thirds of computer science programs nationwide. Compare this to Drake, where graduates earn $10,000 more initially but carry significantly higher debt. Iowa State matches median salaries but with similar debt levels, making the University of Iowa competitive within the state's public options.

What parents should know: this program ranks at the 40th percentile among Iowa computer science programs initially, but the strong mid-career earnings growth indicates the degree opens doors effectively. The accessible admission rate (85%) combined with reasonable debt suggests this is a solid path for students who may not gain entry to more selective programs but still want strong tech career prospects. The four-year earnings data demonstrates employers value these graduates increasingly over time.