You would borrow a median $22,869 — about $260 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $63,386 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 1 years of the salary premium.
Yes — you clear the borrowing faster than at most US universities.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 1-year payback above. We list 2 scholarships tied to Iowa State University.
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The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. Iowa State University clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $23,866 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Iowa | B | $22,500 | $64,762 | 0.9 yrs |
| Mount Mercy University Iowa | C | $23,699 | $60,787 | 1.1 yrs |
| Grinnell College Iowa | B | $17,500 | $62,830 | 0.8 yrs |
| Drake University Iowa | B | $23,000 | $71,901 | 0.7 yrs |
| University of Northern Iowa Iowa | C | $19,691 | $55,177 | 1.3 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.