Students at Loras College achieve earnings outcomes that place the institution in the top 25% nationally, reflecting the value of personalized education and strong career preparation.
Graduates benefit from solid long-term financial outcomes and the networking advantages that come with a close-knit private college experience.
Loras College delivers strong long-term value through personalized education and solid career outcomes in a small college setting. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, this private nonprofit institution serves about 1,400 students with a focus on individual attention and comprehensive liberal arts preparation. Graduates earn a median of $58,289 ten years after enrollment, placing the college in the 71st percentile nationally for earnings outcomes among similar institutions.
What distinguishes Loras is its ability to combine the intimate scale of a small liberal arts college with practical career preparation. The college maintains strong programs in business administration, education, and exercise science, with graduates consistently finding employment in their chosen fields. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college serves a meaningful share of first-generation students while maintaining solid completion rates.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Loras provides quality outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access is somewhat more limited than at larger public universities. The college's strength lies in its ability to prepare students for stable, middle-class careers through close faculty mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong alumni networks in the Midwest region.
Loras College's program portfolio reflects a practical liberal arts approach that prepares students for stable careers across multiple fields. Exercise Science and Kinesiology leads in total program value, combining solid enrollment of 33 graduates with career preparation for health and fitness industries. The program's $32,925 median earnings reflect entry-level positions in growing health-related fields.
Business Administration and Management delivers the strongest individual earnings outcomes at $40,737 for 25 graduates, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing business professionals for regional markets. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program footprint with 30 graduates earning $34,847, highlighting Loras's historical strength in teacher preparation and educational leadership.
The college's program mix emphasizes practical skills and regional employment opportunities rather than highly specialized or research-intensive fields. This approach serves students well who plan to work in Iowa and surrounding Midwest states, where Loras's reputation and alumni networks provide meaningful career advantages. Programs consistently prepare graduates for stable, middle-class careers with reasonable earning potential.
Loras College graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the value of a private liberal arts education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,289, placing the college well above average nationally for post-graduation earnings. This performance demonstrates the college's effectiveness in preparing students for stable, professional careers across multiple fields.
The college's strongest programs combine solid enrollment with competitive earnings outcomes. Exercise Science and Kinesiology leads in aggregate return with 33 graduates earning a median of $32,925, while Business Administration and Management produces the highest individual earnings at $40,737 for 25 graduates. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program footprint with 30 graduates earning $34,847, reflecting Loras's strength in preparing educators for Iowa and surrounding states.
Program diversity allows students to pursue various career paths while maintaining reasonable earning expectations. The college's emphasis on practical skills, internship opportunities, and regional employer relationships helps graduates transition effectively into the workforce. Many alumni remain in the Midwest, where Loras's reputation and alumni network provide meaningful career advantages in education, business, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.
Loras College offers competitive affordability for a private institution, with net prices that often compare favorably to public alternatives. Low-income students pay about $18,571 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $16,930 per year—actually lower than what low-income students pay, reflecting the college's merit-based aid strategy. Even high-income families pay $23,295, which represents significant savings compared to the full sticker price.
The college's financial aid approach emphasizes both need-based and merit-based assistance, helping families across income levels manage costs. This pricing structure makes Loras accessible to middle-class families who might not qualify for substantial need-based aid elsewhere but still need help affording private education. The college's relatively modest size allows for more personalized financial aid packaging and direct communication with families about funding options.
Debt levels reflect the private college premium but remain within manageable ranges given graduate earnings. Most students can expect to handle their educational investment through the enhanced earning potential and career networks that come with a Loras degree, particularly for students planning to work in the Midwest where the college's reputation is well-established.
Loras College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
