College ROI for Students in Polk County, IA

Is college worth it in Polk County? Here's the financial analysis.

Public In-State/yr

$25,225

Public Out-of-State/yr

$44,325

Private/yr

$63,304

Payback Period

2 yrs

ROI Comparison

4-Year Public University

Total Cost (4 yrs)$100,900
Annual Earnings Premium$51,238
Payback Period2 years

20-Year Net Return$923,860

4-Year Private University

Total Cost (4 yrs)$253,216
Annual Earnings Premium$58,924
Payback Period4.3 years

20-Year Net Return$925,258

About Polk County, Iowa

Polk County in Iowa has a median household income of $78,827 and a population of 493,378. The college earnings premium in this region makes a public university degree pay back in approximately 2 years.

These estimates use regional cost and earnings data. Actual ROI varies enormously by major, institution, completion rate, and career path. Our Monte Carlo simulation models degree-specific outcomes, student loan scenarios, and alternative investment paths.

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Other Counties in Iowa

County-level data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2022 5-Year Estimates. Additional sources: NCES IPEDS, College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Estimates based on regional data. This is not financial advice.