Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Wartburg College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 suggests borrowers could feasibly manage repayment, but this assumes the estimated figures hold true—and with limited graduate data available, we're relying on what similar Iowa liberal arts programs produce. Based on those comparable programs, first-year earnings around $40,400 match Iowa's median and actually exceed the national benchmark by several thousand dollars. That's encouraging context, though it leaves little room above the debt load.

The $27,000 in estimated debt sits right at both state and national medians for this degree, which means Wartburg appears competitively priced within its category. Still, when peer schools like Simpson and Luther report actual outcomes in the low $40,000s, parents should note that Wartburg's open admission and lower test scores might signal a different student profile—one that could affect individual earning trajectories regardless of what state medians suggest.

For families considering this program, the fundamental question is whether a general liberal arts degree justifies near-median debt when the field itself produces modest starting salaries nationwide. The estimates suggest a manageable situation, but without actual graduate outcomes from Wartburg specifically, you're making an investment based on how similar programs perform rather than demonstrated track record. If your student has clear post-graduation plans that leverage a liberal arts foundation—graduate school, specific career paths—this could work. If they're undecided, programs with reported outcomes offer more certainty about what you're buying.