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Accounting and Related Services at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,479/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)

ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #102 of 714 Accounting and Related Services programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Accounting and Related Services graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$701K	$671K	$590K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.7x	16.0x	14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.3x	6.1x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	76%	65%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	81	79	76

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,988

Out-of-state: $110,732 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,660

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,276

4.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$73,400

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $58,479 per year, Accounting and Related Services graduates from Iowa State University earn slightly above the $53,724 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 16.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Accounting and Related Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $22,276 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Iowa State University ranks #102 among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 26% earnings increase from $58,479 to $73,400 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Iowa State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Financial managers $161,700/yr

Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr

Financial and investment analysts $101,350/yr

View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Accounting and Related Services at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 79/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Accounting and Related Services at Iowa State University?

At 79/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Accounting and Related Services at Iowa State University?

The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for Accounting and Related Services?

Among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs, Iowa State University's #102 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →