Analysis
A Statistics degree from the University of Northern Iowa appears positioned in the middle of Iowa's competitive landscape, with four-year earnings of $75,808 matching what University of Iowa graduates earn right out of the gate. While first-year figures are estimated from national peer programs at roughly $60,000, the jump to $75,808 by year four is actual reported data—suggesting this program builds momentum relatively quickly compared to many bachelor's degrees.
The debt picture looks manageable based on comparable programs nationally, with estimated borrowing around $20,000 yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. That means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about 4-5 months of gross income if they prioritized repayment. Other Statistics programs in Iowa carry slightly higher debt loads (around $22,000), so UNI appears competitive on the cost front even if these are estimates rather than program-specific outcomes.
The practical question is whether UNI's program prepares students as well as Iowa's flagship universities. The four-year earnings data suggests it does, but without first-year actual data for this specific program, you're relying on the assumption that UNI tracks national norms initially before graduates catch up. Given Statistics' strong job market generally, this program offers solid earning potential at a reasonable debt load—just recognize you're partly betting on how well UNI's approach translates compared to peer institutions.
Where University of Northern Iowa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northern Iowa | — | $75,808 | — |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $93,111 | $142,883 | +53% |
| Duke University | $97,197 | $113,854 | +17% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $83,227 | $102,151 | +23% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $64,371 | $98,758 | +53% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Northern IowaCedar Falls | $9,728 | $59,718* | $75,808 | $20,150* | — |
 University of IowaIowa City | $10,964 | $75,095* | — | $20,411* | 0.27 |
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $53,132* | — | $23,625* | 0.44 |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Northern Iowa, approximately 24% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.