Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
William Penn University$62,223
Mount Mercy University$57,572$69,779$33,5830.58
Wartburg College$54,652$61,080$27,0000.49
Waldorf University$51,954$45,397$27,0000.52
Grand View University$51,251$51,189$27,0000.53
Buena Vista University$48,810$22,9870.47
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Iowa

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids
$39,070$57,572$33,583
Wartburg College
Waverly
$51,040$54,652$27,000
Waldorf University
Forest City
$25,220$51,954$27,000
Grand View University
Des Moines
$33,450$51,251$27,000
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake
$40,190$48,810$22,987

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 William Penn University, approximately 46% 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.