Compare 19 Biology, General. programs in Iowa. Average earnings: $50,289.
The highest-earning Biology, General program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $31K earnings gap across 19 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Graduates earn between $32,264 and $63,633, demonstrating why evaluating individual programs beats relying on school rankings.
Buena Vista University's Biology program leads with graduates earning $63,633, followed closely by Drake University at $63,077. Against the statewide average of $50,289, both programs deliver premium outcomes. Saint Ambrose University rounds out the top three at $61,468, proving that focused programs at regional institutions can compete with more recognized names.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Buena Vista UniversityPrivate | $63,633 | 14 | $25,000 | Good | $12,074 | Manageable |
| #2 | Drake UniversityPrivate | $63,077 | 18 | $23,000 | Excellent | $26,000 | Manageable |
| #3 | Saint Ambrose UniversityPrivate | $61,468 | 27 | $25,000 | Good | $30,948 | Challenging |
| #4 | Wartburg CollegePrivate | $60,804 | 41 | $27,000 | Good | $27,152 | Challenging |
| #5 | Simpson CollegePrivate | $58,254 | 19 | $26,000 | Good | $23,702 | Challenging |
| #6 | Loras CollegePrivate | $57,846 | 9 | $26,000 | Good | $30,983 | Challenging |
| #7 | Morningside UniversityPrivate | $52,416 | 37 | $26,028 | Good | $14,032 | Challenging |
| #8 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $51,094 | 190 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | High |
| #9 | $49,536 | 90 | $19,691 | Good | $17,670 | Challenging | |
| #10 | Coe CollegePrivate | $48,877 | 46 | $27,000 | Manageable | $30,674 | High |
| #11 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $48,846 | 41 | $17,500 | Good | $36,324 | High |
| #12 | Grand View UniversityPrivate | $48,797 | 19 | $22,500 | Good | $20,398 | Challenging |
| #13 | University Of IowaPublic | $47,525 | 123 | $22,500 | Manageable | $27,975 | High |
| #14 | Central CollegePrivate | $44,781 | 36 | $26,984 | Manageable | $39,100 | High |
| #15 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $43,965 | 18 | $25,750 | Manageable | $21,000 | High |
| #16 | Upper Iowa UniversityPrivate | $43,311 | 13 | $25,000 | Manageable | $14,000 | High |
| #17 | Luther CollegePrivate | $42,543 | 41 | $27,000 | Challenging | $40,923 | High |
| #18 | William Penn UniversityPrivate | $36,449 | 8 | $22,415 | Challenging | $15,943 | High |
| #19 | Mount Mercy UniversityPrivate | $32,264 | 11 | $23,699 | High | $19,951 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
