Analysis
Allen College's Health Professions bachelor's appears positioned right around the national median based on comparable programs nationwide. Peer institutions typically see first-year earnings of $38,492, with an estimated debt load here of $26,972—yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. That's manageable territory: graduates would owe roughly 70 cents for every dollar earned in their first year, suggesting loans could be paid down within a reasonable timeframe if income grows as expected in healthcare fields.
The estimated debt figure does run about $6,000 higher than what similar programs in Iowa typically produce, though University of Northern Iowa—the only Iowa comparison with reported data—shows nearly identical earnings at $39,045. What matters most is whether this particular program's clinical training, hospital partnerships, and alumni network in the Waterloo area justify that premium. Healthcare credentials are highly location-dependent, and Allen's specialty focus may offer advantages that broader health professions programs don't.
For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable—healthcare degrees generally translate to stable employment, and the debt burden isn't alarming. But given these are estimates from peer programs rather than Allen's actual outcomes, reach out to the school directly for graduate placement rates and typical roles their students land. Those specifics will tell you far more about return on investment than estimated figures can.
Where Allen College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,444 | $38,492* | — | $26,972* | — | |
| $9,728 | $39,045* | $41,307 | $20,844* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Allen College, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.