Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa's general studies program delivers a troubling pattern: graduates earn $40,009 in their first year—above the national median but below Iowa's typical outcome for this degree—then see earnings drop 12% by year four to just $35,027. While many liberal arts grads experience slower early-career growth, an actual decline is unusual and raises questions about career trajectory. The program ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide, trailing competitors like Simpson College ($43,635) and Luther College ($42,926), despite UNI's 94% admission rate making it more accessible.

The debt picture is reasonable at $26,400—slightly below both state and national medians—but that relatively manageable burden becomes less attractive when paired with declining earnings. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 based on first-year income looks decent on paper, but that ratio worsens significantly if earnings continue their downward trend. With nearly one in four students receiving Pell grants, the economic stakes matter here.

For families considering this program, the earnings decline is the central concern. UNI graduates aren't just experiencing slower growth than peers elsewhere—they're moving backward financially. Unless your student has specific connections at UNI or compelling reasons to attend, other Iowa public options like University of Iowa offer stronger mid-career earnings for similar debt. This program works best for students with clear post-graduation plans that don't depend on the degree alone for earning power.