Compare 7 Labor Studies. programs in Iowa. Average earnings: $52,583.
Labor Studies programs produce graduates earning between $42,682 and $67,540—a $25K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in Iowa, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
At the top, University of Iowa produces Labor Studies graduates earning $67,540—well above the $52,583 average across all programs. Grand View University follows at $63,128, proving that smaller institutions can deliver strong outcomes. The data shows program-specific factors drive these results more than school brand.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Iowa graduates borrow $22,500 and face just a 6.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Grand View University leads family affordability with a 15.5% family burden, demonstrating that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of IowaPublic | $67,540 | 143 | $22,500 | Excellent | $27,975 | Manageable |
| #2 | Grand View UniversityPrivate | $63,128 | 9 | $22,500 | Excellent | $20,398 | Manageable |
| #3 | Mount Mercy UniversityPrivate | $52,422 | 41 | $23,699 | Good | $19,951 | Challenging |
| #4 | Upper Iowa UniversityPrivate | $48,961 | 57 | $25,000 | Manageable | $14,000 | Challenging |
| #5 | Buena Vista UniversityPrivate | $46,871 | 26 | $25,000 | Manageable | $12,074 | Challenging |
| #6 | William Penn UniversityPrivate | $46,478 | 5 | $22,415 | Manageable | $15,943 | Challenging |
| #7 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $42,682 | 11 | $25,750 | Manageable | $21,000 | 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 →