Iowa · Economics

Best Economics institutions in Iowa, ranked by earnings

The Economics program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It explores how economies function and how individuals respond to various incentives, making…

Institutions
13
offering CIP 45.06
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
184
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$49,314
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
5
College Scorecard
Median net price
$20,710
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
66%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Economists
$101,090
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 5 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Iowa State University
Ames Public · Bachelor's degree
$57,6192675%$23,414
2University of Iowa
Iowa City Public · Bachelor's degree
$50,2237975%$22,407
3University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls Public · Bachelor's degree
$49,314968%$17,169
4Grinnell College
Grinnell Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$46,7913888%$14,470$16,950
5Coe College
Cedar Rapids Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$42,311366%$18,153$27,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Economists (SOC 19-3011).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+1.2%
Little or no change
Openings / yr (US)
~900
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$115,440
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingMathematicsReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningWriting

What Economists earn in Iowa

Jobs in Iowa
70
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$101,090
median $92,750
Best-paying metro
$108,620
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

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Common questions

Answers for students comparing Economics programs in Iowa.

Which Economics program in Iowa has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Iowa State University tops the list at $57,619. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Economists earn in Iowa?+

The average annual wage for Economists in Iowa is $101,090 (median $92,750), across about 70 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Economics program?+

The Economics program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It explores how economies function and how individuals respond to various incentives, making…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, mathematics, reading comprehension, speaking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Economists?+

The national job outlook is about +1.2% growth with around 900 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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