Human Services at Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University's Human Services program delivers solid first-year outcomes at $39,389, beating the national median by nearly $3,000 and landing in the 70th percentile nationally. The debt load of $45,388 is higher than you'd like—well above both national and state medians—but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.15 suggests graduates can manage repayment with careful budgeting. What's less encouraging is the Iowa context: this program trails the state median and sits in just the 40th percentile among Iowa schools, with Simpson College graduates earning $7,000 more right out of the gate.

The earnings trajectory shows modest 6% growth to $41,928 after four years, which is typical for social service fields where advancement often requires additional credentials. While this program costs more than Iowa alternatives, the strong sample size of 100+ graduates and the school's accessibility (93% admission rate, 33% Pell recipients) suggest it's serving students who might not access higher-ranked programs.

For Iowa families, this comes down to net cost after aid. If your child can attend for significantly less than the median debt figure—or if they're comparing this to out-of-state options—the nationally competitive outcomes make sense. But if they can access Simpson or Grand View at similar cost, those programs show stronger in-state earnings potential. The degree will support a meaningful career in human services; just ensure the price tag aligns with that reality.