Head-to-head · 2026
Marshalltown Community College vs St Luke's College
Compare average net price ($8,059 at Marshalltown Community College; $19,820 at St Luke's College), ROI score (12.72 vs 7.70), ten-year median earnings ($41,010 vs $61,033), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Marshalltown Community College; 80% at St Luke's College) using federal College Scorecard data. Marshalltown Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Marshalltown Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Marshalltown Community College | St Luke's College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.72 ✓ | 7.70 |
| Avg net price | $8,059 ✓ | $19,820 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,010 | $61,033 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 80% |
| Graduation rate | 42.3% | 100% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,500 ✓ | $15,000 |
| Enrollment | 788 | 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 $11,761 more per year than Marshalltown Community College ($19,820 vs $8,059). St Luke's College graduates report $20,023 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,033 vs $41,010). On EduGradify's model that puts Marshalltown Community College ahead on projected ROI (12.72 vs 7.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Marshalltown 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; Marshalltown Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Marshalltown Community College vs St Luke's College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Marshalltown Community College or St Luke's College the better value?
Marshalltown Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.72 vs 7.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marshalltown Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,059 per year vs $19,820 at St Luke's College. The annual difference of $11,761 adds up to about $47,044 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
St Luke's College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,033 vs $41,010 at Marshalltown Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $20,023.
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. Marshalltown Community College reports a A value grade; St Luke's College reports B.