Upper Iowa University vs Waldorf University: which has better ROI?
Upper Iowa University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,768 in 19 years versus 28.1 years at Waldorf University, on median earnings of $52,766 vs $51,165 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Upper Iowa University | Waldorf University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,942 | $19,693 |
| Total net cost | $83,768 | $78,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,766 | $51,165 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $18,752 |
| Payback | 19 yrs | 28.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $4,352 | -$22,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Upper Iowa University or Waldorf University?
Waldorf University, at $19,693 a year after aid versus $20,942 — a gap of $1,249 a year, or $4,996 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Upper Iowa University or Waldorf University graduates earn more?
Upper Iowa University graduates report a median $52,766 ten years after entry, $1,601 more than the $51,165 at Waldorf University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Upper Iowa University or Waldorf University?
Waldorf University: its completers carry a median $18,752 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Upper Iowa University, a difference of $6,248. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
34% of students finish at Upper Iowa University, against 21% at Waldorf University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.