Iowa State University — Ames, IA

Area Studies

at Iowa State University · Ames, IA

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $31,963/yr starting out — that's 7% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 42.1 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,589/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $82,690 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$24,018/yr

Starting Salary

$31,963

Finish Rate

75.3%

Household Income

$24,018/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $18,589/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $5,429/yr)

4 Years Total

$96,072

Typical Debt

$22,869

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,334

What You'd Really Pay

$82,690

That's about $260/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$319,630

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$82,690

Pays for Itself In

42.1 yrs

Salary Boost

+7%

Ahead After 10 Years

$236,940

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost32.5/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed0/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost0.9/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate11.3/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.