Real Estate at University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa's real estate program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack nationally, but that turns out to be a respectable position. Graduates earn $56,866 in their first year—above the national median for real estate programs—while carrying manageable debt of $23,125. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly five months of salary, well below thresholds that typically cause financial stress. With only two schools offering real estate degrees in Iowa, UNI effectively ties for the state lead in outcomes.

The earnings trajectory shows steady, if unspectacular, growth to $62,765 by year four—a 10% increase that suggests the degree opens doors to career progression rather than just entry-level positions. While these aren't software engineering salaries, they're solid middle-class earnings in Iowa's lower cost-of-living environment. The program's 58th percentile national ranking indicates it outperforms most competitors without charging premium debt levels.

For families considering this program, the math works: reasonable debt paired with above-average starting salaries in a field with clear career pathways. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides enough data for confidence without raising red flags. If your child is drawn to commercial real estate, property management, or development, this represents a practical path that won't require years of financial recovery after graduation.