Analysis
Wartburg's biology program shows something unusual: graduates start earning just above the Iowa median at $34,398, but by year four they're making $60,804—a 77% jump that ranks them at the 60th percentile statewide. That earnings trajectory matters because many biology graduates pursue additional training or certifications, and this data suggests those paths are paying off for Wartburg alumni.
The $27,000 debt load sits at the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of biology programs leave students with more debt. Combined with that strong four-year earning figure, the financial picture looks reasonable—though first-year earnings lag behind places like Upper Iowa ($43,311) and Grand View ($43,237). The gap narrows significantly by year four, suggesting Wartburg graduates may be taking different initial career paths or pursuing graduate preparation roles before transitioning to higher-paying positions.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. Still, the pattern of low debt and strong earnings growth provides a useful signal. For families prioritizing manageable debt over maximum first-year income, Wartburg delivers on the affordability front while preparing students for career advancement that materializes within a few years of graduation.
Where Wartburg College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wartburg College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wartburg College | $34,398 | $60,804 | +77% |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | +53% |
| Saint Ambrose University | $30,825 | $61,468 | +99% |
| Morningside University | $32,620 | $52,416 | +61% |
| Iowa State University | $32,528 | $51,094 | +57% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wartburg CollegeWaverly | $51,040 | $34,398 | $60,804 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
 Upper Iowa UniversityFayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
 Grand View UniversityDes Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
 Drake UniversityDes Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
 Coe CollegeCedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Grinnell CollegeGrinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Wartburg College, approximately 21% 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.