Statistics at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,132/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (41,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 51 Statistics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Statistics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $575K $567K $511K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.5x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.1x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 71% 64% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 45

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 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,875
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Iowa State University's Statistics graduates start at $53,132/yr, trailing the $63,187 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Statistics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Statistics's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,875 in median debt clears quickly against $53,132 in annual earnings.

Ranked #35 of 51 Statistics programs, Iowa State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Actuaries $125,770/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Statistics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Statistics at Iowa State University?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Statistics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Statistics careers?
With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $511,441 in decade earnings vs $575,176 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Statistics from Iowa State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →