Business Operations Support at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,962/yr (58% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (67% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (1,381,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 6 Business Operations Support programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

This specialized program at Iowa State offers a distinct advantage due to its limited national availability. With fewer graduates competing, you'll find strong demand for your skills, especially across Iowa's diverse economy, from major agricultural firms to manufacturing and service industries. These aren't merely administrative roles; you'll be trained for critical operational support, often coordinating projects, managing complex schedules, and facilitating communication for executive teams or entire departments within larger organizations that value Iowa State's practical, well-rounded graduates. However, the "Very High" AI risk is a significant factor. Many tasks typical of these roles, like scheduling and data management, are increasingly automated. To thrive, focus your studies and internships on developing skills AI can't easily replicate: complex problem-solving, strategic thinking, managing interpersonal dynamics, and leveraging technology rather than just operating it. Seek out experiences where you're not just supporting, but actively contributing to operational efficiency and strategic initiatives.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business Operations Support graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $524K $519K $472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.4x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 39% 33% 19%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 43

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 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,363
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Business operations specialists, all other $81,270/yr
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants $74,260/yr
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers $66,140/yr
View all 18 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business Operations Support at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Business Operations Support at Iowa State University?
A score of 60/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Business Operations Support field.
Will AI replace Business Operations Support careers?
With 67% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $472,020 in decade earnings vs $524,174 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →