Iowa State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Iowa State University?

At Iowa State University, graduation rates reflect a strong academic performance compared to many institutions nationally. The overall six-year graduation rate stands at 75%, placing the university in the top 20% percentile. This demonstrates that three out of four students complete their degrees within six years, which is a key indicator of student success.

Breaking down graduation rates by gender, 78% of women graduate within six years, slightly higher than the 73% rate observed among men. Both figures indicate a high level of academic achievement across gender groups, also positioning them within the top quintile nationally. The retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year, is equally impressive at 88%, underscoring strong student engagement and institutional support.

The four-year graduation rate at Iowa State University is 54%, considered average but still within the top 35% of universities. This suggests that while many students take longer than four years to complete their degrees, the majority still graduate in a timely manner by six years.

These statistics collectively offer prospective students a clear view of Iowa State University's capability to support and sustain student progression toward degree completion across diverse academic areas and student demographics.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Iowa State University?

Graduates from Iowa State University experience a varied range of earning potentials depending on their field of study. Among the highest-paid disciplines are those in engineering and technology, with graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earning approximately $74,299, Computer Engineering at $72,598, and Construction Engineering at $71,580. Close behind are Computer Science graduates, who can anticipate earnings around $71,184, and Chemical Engineering graduates earning $70,534.

Other engineering-related fields also show strong income prospects. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates earn about $66,960, Materials Engineering at $66,475, Industrial Engineering around $67,086, and Mechanical Engineering graduates approximately $64,842. Agricultural Engineering graduates earn near $63,141, while Civil Engineering yields about $61,277. Additionally, Engineering-Related Fields bring in close to $61,647.

Business and management degrees also offer competitive salaries. Graduates in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn an average of $50,665, with Accounting and Related Services at $51,771, and Finance and Financial Management Services bringing in $51,055. Management Information Systems and Services graduates can expect earnings near $56,910. Marketing graduates earn about $44,875, while Hospitality Administration/Management graduates make around $37,025.

Professional programs connected to agriculture maintain respectable earning potential. Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn roughly $57,856, Food Science and Technology around $49,538, and Agricultural Business and Management near $46,032. Plant Sciences graduates earn about $44,779, and Natural Resources Conservation and Research sees earnings approximating $28,217.

The arts and humanities show more moderate earnings. Architecture graduates earn about $49,768, Landscape Architecture earns $47,898, and City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning graduates earn near $39,426. Communication and Media Studies graduates make about $38,232, while Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication earns $39,633.

Among science degrees, Mathematics graduates have an average earning of $47,736, Chemistry graduates earn approximately $45,450, and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences brings in $40,315. Biology-related fields tend to offer lower starting salaries, with Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at $35,690, Genetics $30,438, and Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology near $26,485.

Degrees in education-related fields see starting earnings ranging from $39,738 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods to $40,888 in Specific Subject Areas. Social sciences and liberal arts degrees typically earn less, with Political Science and Government averaging $35,620, Psychology around $33,251, and History about $32,633.