Drake University vs Iowa Western Community College
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Drake University Des Moines, IA | Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +114% | +112% |
| 10-year net gain | $141,941 | $37,131 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $71,683 | $52,041 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $54,800 | $39,948 |
| Average net price | $29,127 | $14,629 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $11,033 |
| Break-even | 4.7 yrs | 4.7 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 74% | — |
| Admission rate | 64% | — |
Drake University
Strong return
+$141,941 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Iowa Western Community College
Strong return
+$37,131 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.