Location: Iowa City, IA•In-State Tuition: $10,964•Out-of-State Tuition: $32,927•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1220
Median Earnings (1yr)
$59,965
75th percentile
60th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$23,165
1% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.39 ManageableSample: 305 graduates

Analysis

University of Iowa's finance program delivers strong early earnings that climb impressively over time—$60,000 right out of school, jumping to over $76,000 by year four. That 27% growth trajectory suggests graduates are landing roles with real advancement potential, not hitting a ceiling. With debt around $23,000, you're looking at roughly five months of first-year salary to cover the full balance, which is exceptionally manageable.

The program ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, outperforming three-quarters of finance programs across the country. Within Iowa, it sits at the 60th percentile, trailing only Drake and essentially matching Loras, but besting Iowa State and UNI. Given Iowa's admission rate above 80%, this represents solid value—you're not paying elite-school tuition or fighting through hyper-selective admissions, yet outcomes rival more exclusive programs.

The combination of accessible entry, moderate debt, and earnings that significantly exceed both state and national medians makes this a smart choice for students targeting finance careers, particularly those planning to stay in the Midwest. Four years out, these graduates are earning nearly $24,000 more than the Iowa median for this degree—a gap that compounds considerably over a career.

Where University of Iowa Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

University of IowaOther finance and financial management services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Iowa graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Iowa earns $60k — 75th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Iowa$59,965$76,298+27%
Drake University$62,049$81,311+31%
Buena Vista University$52,226$65,642+26%
Iowa State University$56,974$64,793+14%
Loras College$59,434$63,016+6%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of IowaIowa City$10,964$59,965$76,298$23,1650.39
Drake UniversityDes Moines$49,944$62,049$81,311$25,0000.40
Loras CollegeDubuque$38,298$59,434$63,016$24,0770.41
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$56,974$64,793$21,7500.38
Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport$35,598$56,275$61,730——
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$52,759$62,693$20,7500.39
National Median—$53,590—$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 University of Iowa, approximately 18% 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 305 graduates with reported earnings and 302 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.