Iowa State University — Ames, IA

Mechanical Engineering

at Iowa State University · Ames, IA

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $64,842/yr starting out — that's 116% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 2.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,165/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $80,994 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$23,309/yr

Starting Salary

$64,842

Finish Rate

75.5%

$23,309/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $18,165/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $5,144/yr)

4 Years Total

$93,236

Typical Debt

$22,869

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,334

What You'd Really Pay

$80,994

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

You'd earn (with degree)$648,420

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$80,994

Pays for Itself In

2.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+116%

Ahead After 10 Years

$567,426

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed24.5/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost15.5/20

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.