Head-to-head · 2026
Coe College vs Iowa Lakes Community College
Compare average net price ($18,745 at Coe College; $13,933 at Iowa Lakes Community College), ROI score (7.62 vs 7.73), ten-year median earnings ($57,125 vs $43,108), and admissions context (64% at Coe College; Open / not reported at Iowa Lakes Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Iowa Lakes Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Coe College | Iowa Lakes Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.62 | 7.73 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,745 | $13,933 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $57,125 ✓ | $43,108 |
| Acceptance rate | 64% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 65.9% ✓ | 50% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,164 | 941 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1223 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coe College costs $4,812 more per year than Iowa Lakes Community College ($18,745 vs $13,933). Coe College graduates report $14,017 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,125 vs $43,108). On EduGradify's model that puts Iowa Lakes Community College ahead on projected ROI (7.73 vs 7.62, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Iowa Lakes Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Coe College reports 64% acceptance; Iowa Lakes Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Coe College vs Iowa Lakes Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coe College or Iowa Lakes Community College the better value?
Iowa Lakes Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.73 vs 7.62), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa Lakes Community College is cheaper — average net price $13,933 per year vs $18,745 at Coe College. The annual difference of $4,812 adds up to about $19,248 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Coe College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,125 vs $43,108 at Iowa Lakes Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,017.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Coe College reports a B value grade; Iowa Lakes Community College reports B.