Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa Lakes Community College vs St Luke's College
Compare average net price ($13,933 at Iowa Lakes Community College; $19,820 at St Luke's College), ROI score (7.73 vs 7.70), ten-year median earnings ($43,108 vs $61,033), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Iowa Lakes Community College; 80% at St Luke's 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 | Iowa Lakes Community College | St Luke's College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.73 ✓ | 7.70 |
| Avg net price | $13,933 ✓ | $19,820 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,108 | $61,033 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 80% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 100% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $15,000 |
| Enrollment | 941 | 167 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 980 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
St Luke's College costs $5,887 more per year than Iowa Lakes Community College ($19,820 vs $13,933). St Luke's College graduates report $17,925 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,033 vs $43,108). On EduGradify's model that puts Iowa Lakes Community College ahead on projected ROI (7.73 vs 7.70, 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, St Luke's College reports 80% acceptance; Iowa Lakes Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa Lakes Community College vs St Luke's College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa Lakes Community College or St Luke's College the better value?
Iowa Lakes Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.73 vs 7.70), 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 $19,820 at St Luke's College. The annual difference of $5,887 adds up to about $23,548 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
St Luke's College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,033 vs $43,108 at Iowa Lakes Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,925.
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. Iowa Lakes Community College reports a B value grade; St Luke's College reports B.