Wartburg College
Waverly, Iowa · Private Nonprofit · 75.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 47/100 · Below Average Value
Wartburg College scores 47 (Below Average Value) -- a school with one genuine strength and significant weaknesses. The repayment rate of 90.0% at 3 years is among the highest on this site, indicating graduates are managing their debt load despite modest earnings. But the overall ROI suffers from a 12.8-year payback period, $40,700 median 6-year earnings, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.663. Net price of $32,908 is the most damaging figure: it is among the highest in this batch and substantially exceeds what median earnings can support efficiently. The total 4-year net cost of $131,632 places Wartburg in the expensive tier for a small Iowa Lutheran school. Accounting is the standout program (9 graduates, $61,529 year-one, $89,696 year-four, B grade). Business Administration (57 graduates) earns C+. Teacher Education programs (50 total graduates across two categories) are adequate for the field but produce modest near-term earnings. Biology earns a D grade. The completion rate of 64.3% is workable but not strong. The paradox of Wartburg is that graduates who complete repay well -- but the high net price and modest earnings mean a long recovery period even for completers.
Wartburg College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $26,250/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $26,250/yr |
| Average net price | $32,908/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $131,632 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,201 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $27,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $286 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,452 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Wartburg College is $26,250/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $32,908/year, or roughly $131,632 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $21,688/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $38,864/year.
The median graduate leaves with $27,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $286 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,201 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,688 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,751 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,056 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,873 |
| $110,001+ | $38,864 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $21,688 per year at Wartburg -- high for a small Iowa school. Against $40,700 median earnings and a 12.8-year payback, this price point is difficult to defend for low-income students in any but the highest-earning programs. Wartburg's 22.1% Pell rate suggests it does not primarily serve low-income students, which may explain the limited generosity at the bottom income tier.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $27,056, rising to $28,873 for the 75001-110000 tier. These prices are very high for a school with $40,700 median earnings. Middle-income families face a net price that exceeds what the median graduate earns, implying a payback period of over a decade at any program but accounting or business.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $38,864 per year -- nearly $155,456 over four years. The full-pay case at Wartburg is difficult to defend against the earnings data for most programs. Only accounting and business administration have year-four earnings that approach a reasonable return on full-price investment. The small-college residential experience is real, but it carries a steep premium here.
Earnings by Major
Top 8 most popular majors at Wartburg College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $74,824 | C+ |
| Biology | $67,036 | D |
| Psychology | $47,110 | C |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $48,074 | C |
| Teacher Education | $47,698 | C |
| Engineering Science | $78,959 | - |
| Communication and Media Studies | $48,433 | C |
| Accounting | $89,696 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Accounting
Accounting is Wartburg's best ROI program: 9 graduates (small sample), $61,529 year-one, $89,696 year-four, debt-to-earnings 0.436 (B grade) on median debt of $26,840. The four-year figure of $89k is strong for an Iowa liberal arts school and reflects the CPA pipeline. Accounting graduates from smaller regional schools who pursue licensure can match or exceed larger-school peers in corporate accounting, audit, and tax roles.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration is the largest program at 57 graduates: $54,652 year-one, $74,824 year-four, debt-to-earnings 0.494 (C+ grade) on median debt of $27,000. The earnings are reasonable for a central Iowa private school and the year-four trajectory to $74k reflects advancement into management roles. The C+ grade reflects that the debt load is present but manageable, and year-one earnings are above the school average.
Teacher Education, Subject-Specific
Subject-specific teacher education (27 graduates) earns a C grade: $45,677 year-one, $48,074 year-four, debt-to-earnings 0.591 on median debt of $27,000. Iowa teacher salaries cap the earnings trajectory. The C grade reflects that earnings are stable but not growing rapidly, and the debt burden is proportionate. Teaching is a calling-driven field where financial optimization is rarely the primary motivation, but the numbers here are not alarming.
Biology
Biology (29 graduates) earns a D grade: $34,398 year-one, $67,036 at year four, debt-to-earnings 0.785 on median debt of $27,000. The year-one figure is low for a biology graduate, consistent with pre-professional students entering low-wage research or clinical assistant positions before pursuing medical or graduate school. The year-four jump to $67k reflects those post-professional career outcomes but the near-term debt burden is heavy.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 84.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 90.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 85.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 89.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 75.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-580 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 470-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-27 |
| Enrollment | 1,452 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,194 |
Wartburg's 75.8% admission rate and ACT 21-27 range indicate moderate selectivity. The school is accessible to students with typical academic preparation. Admission is not the barrier -- cost management and program selection are the key financial decisions. Families should use the net price calculator carefully given the high average net price relative to outcomes.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Wartburg's peer set includes Briar Cliff University, Buena Vista University, Alfred University, Bob Jones University, and Lubbock Christian University -- a mix of small faith-based and regional liberal arts schools. Wartburg (ROI 47) is Below Average within this cohort. The 90% repayment rate is distinctly strong and suggests graduates have stable enough careers to service debt. However, the high net price and modest earnings limit the overall score. Buena Vista and Alfred University have more competitive ROI profiles at lower net cost.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wartburg College (this school) | 47 | $32,908 | $56,201 |
| Bob Jones University | 47 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| Briar Cliff University | 46 | $23,907 | $54,475 |
| Lubbock Christian University | 46 | $24,456 | $53,787 |
| Alfred University | 43 | $25,620 | $54,897 |
| Buena Vista University | 39 | $18,846 | $49,156 |
Who Thrives Here
Wartburg admits 75.8% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 460-580 Math and 470-620 Reading, ACT 21-27. Enrollment is 1,452 on a residential campus in Waverly, Iowa. Pell rate of 22.1% is relatively low, suggesting a predominantly middle- and upper-income student body. The Lutheran affiliation shapes community life significantly. Students who thrive here tend to value the small college residential experience and are willing to pay a premium for it. However, the $32,908 net price requires careful program selection to produce acceptable financial outcomes.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Wartburg College is mixed. At $32,908 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $56,201 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.8 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $27,000 against $56,201 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.