Rankings / By State
Best Communications Colleges in Iowa
- 10
- Schools
- $58,350
- Avg. Earnings
- 65%
- Avg. Graduation
- $23,509
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,843
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $51,165 at the low end to $71,901 at the top. That 1.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Northern Iowa offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $55,177 against $15,901 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Northern Iowa at $15,901 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $55,177, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Drake University graduates 76% of its students, well above the 65% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Drake University: graduates owe only 0.32× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Northern Iowa ($55,177 earnings), not the highest earner, Drake University ($71,901). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Northern Iowa ($15,901/yr) and Wartburg College ($32,908/yr) produce graduates earning $55,177 and $56,201 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $17,007 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Northern Iowa outperforms Drake University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with University of Northern Iowa and Drake University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $58K within a decade, and pr specialist roles are projected to grow 6%. 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 Northern Iowa #1 overall | $55,177 ▼ -5% vs avg | $15,901 | 68% | 73 |
| 2 Drake University #2 overall | $71,901 ▲ +23% vs avg | $29,127 | 76% | 73 |
| 3 University of Iowa #3 overall | $64,762 ▲ +11% vs avg | $22,531 | 74% | 73 |
| $59,274 ▲ +2% vs avg | $21,936 | 64% | 70 | |
| $59,850 ▲ +3% vs avg | $23,097 | 73% | 69 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Communications Colleges in Iowa
This analysis ranks 10 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $58,350 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 65% and an average net price of $23,509.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Northern Iowa — Net Price: $15,901 | Graduation Rate: 68%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Drake University — 76% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Drake University — Median alumni earnings: $71,901
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?
$57,245
Median earnings (10yr)
68%
Median graduation rate
$22,814
Median net price
1.1%
Avg. mobility rate
The value of a humanities or creative degree resists summary in a single earnings number, but that does not make it absent. These programs build critical thinking, persuasive writing, and creative problem-solving, the abilities employers consistently say they need most. Those skills compound over a career and narrow the early earnings gap with more vocational fields.
The median graduation rate across these 10 schools is 68%. Median graduate earnings reach $57,245 ten years after enrollment, roughly $9,245 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $22,814 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $24,500. Some 25% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.1%.
Variability is the theme across these programs, and wide ranges in both earnings and cost make school selection especially consequential. Graduates earn a median of $57,245 ten years after enrollment, and the median net price runs $22,814. Affordability is the single most effective lever for improving ROI in this category.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Northern Iowa lands at #1 with a 73/100 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, 5% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Drake University lands at #2 with a 73/100 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, 23% 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 #3
University of Iowa lands at #3 with a 73/100 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,531 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 #4
Simpson College lands at #4 with a 70/100 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, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,936 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
Luther College lands at #5 with a 69/100 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, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,097 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 #6
Loras College lands at #6 with a 68/100 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, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,716 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 #7
Central College lands at #7 with a 68/100 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, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,377 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 #8
Dordt University lands at #8 with a 67/100 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, 10% below 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Wartburg College lands at #9 with a 66/100 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, 4% below 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Waldorf University lands at #10 with a 66/100 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 10 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 PR Specialists and related roles — a field with $67,440 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the PR Specialist career guide →Communications degrees can open doors in a variety of fields, from public relations to journalism and beyond. In Iowa, several colleges offer programs designed to prepare students for careers in this dynamic industry. With average earnings around $58,820 for graduates, it’s clear that these programs provide value to their students.
The strongest schools on this list stand out through key metrics like graduation rates, earnings potential, and manageable debt levels. For example, schools that have higher graduation rates often see better job placement rates, which can translate to higher earnings after graduation. The data below reflects these outcomes, giving students and their families a comprehensive view to guide their decision-making.
Iowa State University and Drake University exemplify two different paths. Iowa State boasts impressive earnings of $63,386 and a graduation rate of 75%. In comparison, Drake graduates earn even more, at $71,901, but face a higher net price of $29,127. This contrast highlights the tradeoff between immediate financial burden and long-term earning potential, a vital consideration for students weighing their options.
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
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 10 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.1%. Drake University leads the group at 1.7%, with Waldorf University (1.6%) and Simpson College (1.2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 4% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Waldorf University leads at 10.3%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 29% across this list. Drake University posts the highest success rate at 47.9%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.76 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Drake University reaches 1.82, the highest on the list.
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 we look closely at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa, a key difference emerges. Iowa State graduates earn $63,386 with a graduation rate of 75%, while the University of Northern Iowa graduates earn significantly less at $55,177 with a 68% graduation rate. The higher earnings at Iowa State can be attributed to its strong industry connections and comprehensive internship opportunities, which enhance employability.
As you sift through these options, think about what factors matter most to you. Are you prioritizing a lower net price or higher potential earnings? Consider visiting campuses and talking to current students to get a sense of the community and academic environment. This personal experience can often outweigh numbers on a page.
Ultimately, choosing a communications college isn’t just about immediate numbers; it’s about laying the groundwork for a stable future. Investing in an education that leads to a good job can change the trajectory of a family’s financial future. Each decision weighs heavily, but informed choices can lead to better outcomes for years to come.
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 Communications Colleges in Iowa: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Communications Colleges in Iowa ranking? +
University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Communications Colleges in Iowa ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $55,177 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 68% 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 $58,350 average across the 10 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, University of Northern Iowa leads: graduates earn a median $55,177 against net price of about $15,901 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 65% 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 $23,509 a year across the 10 ranked schools with cost data. University of Northern Iowa is among the most affordable at roughly $15,901. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Communications 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 10 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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