GeraMarket / US College ROI / Iowa State University
Iowa State University: College ROI
Ames, IA · 25,367 undergraduates. Median 10-yr earnings: $63,386 · Median debt: $22,869 · Net price: $18,589/yr · GEROI: 2.8/100.
What is the return on investment for Iowa State University?
As of June 2026, Iowa State University (Ames, IA) alumni have a median income of $63,386 ten years after entry — 15.4% above the cohort median of $54,940 — with median debt of $22,869 and a net annual cost of $18,589, per the US Dept of Education College Scorecard (public domain). Gera Education ROI Index: 2.8/100 (Below-average ROI).
GEROI tier: Below-average ROI (2.8/100)
Based on (median 10-yr earnings − median debt) ÷ net price, normalised within the top-300 US institutions by enrollment. See full methodology.
Iowa State University — key figures (June 2026)
| Measure | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median 10-yr earnings | $63,386 | MD_EARN_WNE_P10 (June 2026) — 15.4% above cohort median |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,869 | GRAD_DEBT_MDN (June 2026) — 26.4% above cohort median ($18,095) |
| Annual net price | $18,589/yr | NPT4_PUB/NPT4_PRIV (June 2026) — 38.1% above cohort median ($13,461/yr) |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 25,367 | UGDS — total undergrad enrolled (June 2026) |
| GEROI score | 2.8 / 100 | Gera Education ROI Index (Below-average ROI) — normalised within top-300 cohort |
Compare Iowa State University with other IA institutions
Filter, sort, and rank all institutions in our database by state, GEROI score, earnings, debt, or net price — personalised to your criteria.
Higher = better ROI
| # | Institution | GEROI | 10-yr earnings | Median debt | Net price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA | 2.8/100 | $63,386 | $22,869 | $18,589/yr | View |
| #2 | University of IowaIowa City, IA | 2.4/100 | $64,762 | $22,500 | $22,531/yr | View |
Showing top 25 of 2 matching institutions. Source: US Dept of Education — College Scorecard (June 2026).
GEROI (Gera Education ROI Index) = normalised score 0–100 based on (median 10-yr earnings − median debt) ÷ annual net price. Data: College Scorecard June 2026, public domain, no key required.
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the average earnings for Iowa State University graduates?
- In June 2026, the median earnings for working Iowa State University alumni 10 years after first enrollment are $63,386, per the US Department of Education College Scorecard (MD_EARN_WNE_P10). This is 15.4% above the top-300-institution cohort median of $54,940.
- What is the typical student debt for Iowa State University graduates?
- The median cumulative debt at graduation for Iowa State University students is $22,869, per the College Scorecard (GRAD_DEBT_MDN, June 2026). This is 26.4% above cohort median ($18,095).
- What does Iowa State University actually cost after financial aid?
- The average annual net price at Iowa State University — the cost actually paid after grants and scholarships are applied — is $18,589/yr, per the College Scorecard (NPT4_PUB/NPT4_PRIV, June 2026). This is 38.1% above cohort median ($13,461/yr).
- What is Iowa State University's GEROI score?
- Iowa State University's Gera Education ROI Index (GEROI) is 2.8/100 (Below-average ROI). GEROI = (median 10-yr earnings − median debt) ÷ net price, normalised 0–100 across the top-300 US colleges by enrollment. A score of 2.8 means Iowa State University is in the lower half of the cohort on financial return per dollar of net tuition. See the methodology page for the full formula.
- Is Iowa State University worth it financially?
- Based on College Scorecard data (June 2026): Iowa State University has a median 10-yr earnings of $63,386, median debt of $22,869, and net price of $18,589/yr — giving a GEROI of 2.8/100. Whether it's "worth it" depends on your field of study, career goals, and financial situation — GEROI provides the factual financial context, not a personalised recommendation.
Other IA institutions (by GEROI)
Contains public sector information published by US Department of Education and licensed under the US Federal Government Open Data (public domain). Source: US Department of Education — College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution Data) (June 2026, published 10 June 2026).