Business Administration at Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations

Upper Iowa University has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,021 students in Fayette, IA.

Program Analysis

Upper Iowa University Business Administration graduates command $46,039/yr out of the gate, well above the $35,542 national median. That 30% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 12.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Business Administration programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Business Administration's career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $30,822 represents roughly 8 months of the $46,039 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #307 of 455 Business Administration programs, Upper Iowa University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Business Administration offers 28 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
67
Score
69
High End
Earnings $46,039/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$482K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
12.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
42 of 42
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Program Tuition
$38,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,822
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business Administration graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chief executives $206,420 +4.3% 44%
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Chief executives
$206,420
+4.3% growth 44% AI-proof
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 42 career paths with full salary data →

Business Administration Career Guide

Explore what Business Administration graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 455 programs nationwide.

Read the full Business Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration Overview

Business Administration at Other Schools

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Business Administration at Upper Iowa University?
At 67/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business Administration is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Administration at Upper Iowa University?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $481,668 in decade earnings vs $481,668 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Are there apprenticeship options for Business Administration?
If Upper Iowa University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 28 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Business Administration. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Business Administration graduates from Upper Iowa University find jobs?
The very large job market (1,753,300 annual openings) works in favor of Business Administration graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →