Rankings / By State
Best Business Colleges in Iowa
- 37
- Schools
- $51,075
- Avg. Earnings
- 53%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,388
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,335
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 37 schools run from $27,981 to $71,901, a 2.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Marshalltown Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $41,010 in median earnings against $8,059 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Marshalltown Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $8,059 a year in net price.
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Drake University graduates 76% of its students, versus a 53% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Northwest Iowa Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.19× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Iowa ($64,762 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Drake University ($71,901), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Marshalltown Community College costs $8,059 a year and Wartburg College costs $32,908. Yet their graduates earn $41,010 and $56,201, nowhere near the $24,849 price gap.
- On value, Marshalltown Community College beats Drake University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Marshalltown Community College and Drake University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $53K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Iowa #1 overall | $64,762 ▲ +27% vs avg | $22,531 | 74% | 83 |
| 2 Upper Iowa University #2 overall | $52,766 ▲ +3% vs avg | $20,942 | 38% | 82 |
| 3 University of Northern Iowa #3 overall | $55,177 ▲ +8% vs avg | $15,901 | 68% | 81 |
| $60,787 ▲ +19% vs avg | $20,168 | 57% | 81 | |
| $71,901 ▲ +41% vs avg | $29,127 | 76% | 79 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Business Colleges in Iowa
This analysis ranks 37 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,075 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 53% and an average net price of $19,388.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Marshalltown Community College — Net Price: $8,059 | Graduation Rate: 40%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Drake University — 76% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Drake University — Median alumni earnings: $71,901
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$52,559
Median earnings (10yr)
55%
Median graduation rate
$20,168
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Business and MBA programs sell acceleration: faster paths into management, bigger networks, and a salary step-change. The return is famously dispersed, though. A handful of programs deliver enormous ROI through placement and alumni networks, while many barely clear the cost of attendance. Management education is less a single product than a wide spectrum of outcomes.
Start with the medians across these 37 schools. Graduates earn a median of $52,559 ten years after enrollment, or about $4,559 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 55%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $20,168 a year with about $22,869 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 31% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.3%.
What we’re seeing: value concentrates where networks and employer pipelines are strongest, and ROI varies more here than in almost any other field. Median earnings reach $52,559 ten years after enrollment, with University of Iowa at the top of the list. The spread between the best programs and the median is the real story of an MBA.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Iowa lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $64,762 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,531 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Upper Iowa University lands at #2 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Northern Iowa lands at #3 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $55,177 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,901 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Mount Mercy University lands at #4 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $60,787 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,168 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Drake University lands at #5 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $71,901 a decade after enrolling, 41% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,127 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Coe College lands at #6 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $57,125 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Grand View University lands at #7 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $52,824 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,774 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Saint Ambrose University lands at #8 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $59,531 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,691 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Morningside University lands at #9 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $55,494 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,320 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Buena Vista University lands at #10 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Waldorf University lands at #11 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $51,165 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Northwest Iowa Community College lands at #12 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $50,776 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,800 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Dordt University lands at #13 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $52,559 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,807 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Central College lands at #14 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $54,317 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,377 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Kirkwood Community College lands at #15 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $41,016 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,705 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Wartburg College lands at #16 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $56,201 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,908 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Loras College lands at #17 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,289 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,716 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Clarke University lands at #18 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $55,396 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,479 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Briar Cliff University lands at #19 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $54,475 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,907 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Luther College lands at #20 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,850 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,097 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Simpson College lands at #21 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $59,274 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,936 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
William Penn University lands at #22 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $48,936 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,601 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Cornell College lands at #23 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $53,460 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,634 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Iowa State University lands at #24 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $63,386 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,589 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Marshalltown Community College lands at #25 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $41,010 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,059 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Northeast Iowa Community College lands at #26 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $41,306 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,272 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Iowa Western Community College lands at #27 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $42,793 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,629 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Hawkeye Community College lands at #28 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $42,849 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,649 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Iowa Central Community College lands at #29 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $42,046 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,328 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Graceland University-Lamoni lands at #30 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $47,361 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,504 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Iowa Lakes Community College lands at #31 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $43,108 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,933 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Indian Hills Community College lands at #32 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $40,507 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,693 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Ankeny, IA · 68% accepted · $16,282 net
Why it ranks #33
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary lands at #33 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $40,650 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Northwestern College lands at #34 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $49,802 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,907 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
University of Dubuque lands at #35 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $51,190 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,386 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Ellsworth Community College lands at #36 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,562 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,451 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Maharishi International University lands at #37 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $27,981 a decade after enrolling, 45% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,956 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 37 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →Business colleges in Iowa provide a range of options for students looking to launch their careers. With 36 programs available, students have the opportunity to choose the one that aligns most closely with their career goals and financial situation.
The schools on this list stand out based on key outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. Earnings for graduates vary, but the top schools demonstrate a strong return on investment. As you explore the schools below, consider how each program's completion rates and financial implications fit into your own educational journey.
For instance, the University of Iowa leads the pack with an average earning of $64,762 for graduates, alongside a 74% graduation rate. In contrast, Mount Mercy University, while still a solid choice, has a lower graduation rate of 57% and slightly lower earnings at $60,787. This highlights the importance of both outcomes and program fit as you make your decision.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 30 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Clarke University leads the group at 3.4%, with Morningside University (1.8%) and Marshalltown Community College (1.8%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Upper Iowa University enrolls the most, at 14.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 22.5% across the list, peaking at 49% at Clarke University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.60, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Drake University is highest at 1.82.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When examining the data, one trend stands out: the University of Iowa not only has the highest earnings at $64,762 but also a graduation rate of 74%. In contrast, Coe College, while having decent earnings of $57,125, lags behind with a graduation rate of only 62%. This discrepancy highlights the importance of not just where you study, but how well you complete your education.
As you consider these options, think about how these metrics align with your own priorities. Are you looking for a solid return on investment, or do campus culture and location weigh more heavily in your decision? Make a list of what matters most—be it financial factors, degree offerings, or student support—and use this data as a guide to narrow your choices.
Ultimately, these schools reflect a broader truth about the path from college to a stable life. With earnings and graduation rates varying significantly, families need to weigh their options carefully. One decision can shape a student’s future, making it crucial to align educational goals with financial realities.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Business Colleges in Iowa: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Business Colleges in Iowa ranking? +
University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Business Colleges in Iowa ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $64,762 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 74% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Drake University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,901 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,075 average across the 37 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Marshalltown Community College leads: graduates earn a median $41,010 against net price of about $8,059 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Drake University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 76%, compared with a 53% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,388 a year across the 37 ranked schools with cost data. Marshalltown Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $8,059. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Business Colleges in Iowa ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 37 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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