Students at Coe College achieve above-average earnings outcomes that reflect the value of personalized education and strong career preparation in a small college setting.
Graduates consistently outperform many peers nationally, particularly in business, computer science, and health-related fields that drive the college's solid return on investment.
Coe College delivers the intimate educational experience of a small liberal arts institution while maintaining above-average earnings outcomes for graduates. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this private nonprofit college enrolls fewer than 1,500 students, creating an environment where personal attention and close faculty relationships are the norm rather than the exception. Despite its modest size, Coe graduates achieve a median income of $57,125 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 70th percentile nationally for long-term earnings.
The college serves a moderately diverse student body, with about 36% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly a quarter being first-generation college students. What distinguishes Coe is its ability to combine accessibility with strong outcomes—graduates consistently outperform many peers at similar institutions, particularly in high-demand fields like computer science, business administration, and the health sciences.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Coe balances meaningful access with solid mobility outcomes. The college's small scale allows for intensive mentoring and career preparation, while its location in Iowa keeps costs more manageable than comparable private colleges in major metropolitan areas. For students who want the benefits of a liberal arts education without sacrificing career prospects, Coe represents a compelling middle ground between large research universities and highly selective elite colleges.
Coe College's program portfolio reflects the breadth typical of liberal arts institutions, with particular strength in professional preparation fields that lead directly to career opportunities. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the most popular major and the program with the highest aggregate return, enrolling 59 students who go on to earn median salaries of $42,458. This combination of scale and solid earnings makes business the college's economic engine, preparing students for management roles across Iowa's diverse economy.
Computer Science represents Coe's highest-earning program, with 21 graduates achieving median earnings of $61,516—demonstrating that even small liberal arts colleges can compete in high-demand technical fields. Biology, the college's largest program with 46 graduates, produces more moderate early-career earnings at $36,560, but many of these students continue to graduate school in medicine, veterinary science, or research, making their long-term earning potential higher than initial figures suggest.
The program mix reflects Coe's mission as a comprehensive liberal arts college that balances traditional academic disciplines with practical career preparation. While the college may not have the specialized programs or research opportunities of larger universities, its intimate scale allows for intensive mentoring and personalized career guidance that helps students maximize their potential regardless of their chosen field of study.
Coe College graduates see solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect both the value of a liberal arts education and the institution's focus on career preparation. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $57,125, placing Coe in the 70th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the college's small size and liberal arts focus, demonstrating that intimate educational environments can still produce competitive career results.
The strongest financial returns come from the college's most popular and well-developed programs. Business Administration and Management leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, with 59 graduates earning a median of $42,458 in their early careers. Computer Science, while smaller with 21 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $61,516 median income, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the regional and national job market. Biology, the college's largest program with 46 graduates, produces median earnings of $36,560, typical for students who often continue to graduate school in health-related fields.
Coe's return on investment reflects the college's ability to prepare students for stable, middle-class careers across multiple sectors. The combination of personalized attention, strong alumni networks, and practical career services helps graduates transition effectively into the workforce, even from a small Iowa-based institution. While earnings may not reach the peaks seen at large research universities or highly selective institutions, Coe delivers consistent, reliable outcomes that justify the investment for most families.
Coe College's affordability profile reflects typical private college pricing, with net costs varying significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $12,657 annually after aid, a manageable figure that places the college within reach for Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $16,889 per year, while high-income families pay closer to $27,413 annually, reflecting the college's need-based aid strategy that concentrates support on students with the greatest financial need.
The college's debt levels are moderate but require careful consideration. Typical graduates leave with about $27,000 in federal student loan debt, a figure that aligns with national averages for private colleges but represents a meaningful financial commitment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,266, indicating that many families supplement student aid with additional borrowing to cover the full cost of attendance. The combination suggests that most families should expect to contribute through multiple funding sources—grants, student loans, parent borrowing, and family savings.
What makes Coe's costs more sustainable is the college's strong track record of loan repayment success. With a 0% federal loan default rate and 88% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans, graduates demonstrate the ability to manage their debt obligations effectively. The college's career services and alumni network appear to provide sufficient support for graduates to find employment that allows them to meet their financial commitments while building toward long-term financial stability.
Coe College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
