Best Design and Applied Arts Degrees in Iowa by ROI
Colleges in Iowa ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Iowa
4
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$199,883
Across Iowa programs
Average Annual Cost
$38,382
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Iowa State University
Grad rate: 75.0% |
-$97,566 | $43,606 | $23,309 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Northern Iowa
Grad rate: 66.3% |
-$202,353 | $37,902 | $21,627 | $25,100 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Drake University
Grad rate: 76.8% |
-$223,508 | $43,306 | $62,407 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Grand View University
Grad rate: 54.0% |
-$276,106 | $39,091 | $46,188 | $24,574 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Design and Applied Arts Degrees by State
Browse Design and Applied Arts programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.