Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Certificate · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

University of Iowa has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

Program Analysis

University of Iowa's Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates start at $34,216/yr — above the $28,384 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 49.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Ethnic & Cultural Studies carry above-average AI exposure (69% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $25,750 against $34,216/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Ethnic & Cultural Studies is offered at just 5 schools in our analysis. University of Iowa's #1 ranking should be read in that context.

The $34,216-to-$56,034 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
45
Score
50
High End
Earnings $34,216/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Small (8,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$600K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
54.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,964
Out-of-state: $32,927
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,750
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,034
64% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290 +2.4% 50%
Interpreters and translators $59,440 +1.7% 12%
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
$84,290
+2.4% growth 50% AI-proof
Interpreters and translators
$59,440
+1.7% growth 12% AI-proof

Ethnic & Cultural Studies Career Guide

Explore what Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 5 programs nationwide.

Read the full Ethnic & Cultural Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Ethnic & Cultural Studies Overview

Ethnic & Cultural Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Iowa

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Iowa?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Ethnic & Cultural Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What's the AI risk for Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates from University of Iowa?
The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — University of Iowa graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What makes University of Iowa's Ethnic & Cultural Studies program stand out?
Among 5 Ethnic & Cultural Studies programs, University of Iowa's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →