Compare 5 Biophysics. programs in Iowa. Average earnings: $37,914.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Biophysics tells a different story. Across 5 programs in Iowa, earnings range from $28,598 to $56,764—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Grinnell College's Biophysics program leads with graduates earning $56,764, well above the $37,914 state average. Cornell College follows at $39,164, while University of Iowa produces graduates earning $32,925. The $28K gap between top and bottom demonstrates that program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Grinnell graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $56,764 | 38 | $17,500 | Excellent | $36,324 | Challenging |
| #2 | Cornell CollegePrivate | $39,164 | 23 | $27,000 | Challenging | $46,564 | High |
| #3 | University Of IowaPublic | $32,925 | 53 | $22,500 | High | $27,975 | High |
| #4 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $32,119 | 33 | $22,869 | High | $25,950 | High |
| #5 | Drake UniversityPrivate | $28,598 | 28 | $23,000 | High | $26,000 | 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 →
