Community Organization and Advocacy at Des Moines Area Community College

With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers need careful interpretation, but they tell a story worth understanding. Starting salaries of $26,312 place this program near the national bottom (5th percentile), though it's actually the median for Iowa's two programs in this field. The debt load of $23,320—substantially higher than the national median of $13,805—creates an immediate challenge, requiring nearly 11 months of gross earnings just to match what graduates owe.

The 17% earnings growth to $30,658 by year four helps, but doesn't fundamentally alter the economics. Your child would be earning less than most community college graduates while carrying debt comparable to some bachelor's programs. The fact that only 16% of students here receive Pell grants suggests this isn't primarily serving lower-income students who might most need community advocacy training, raising questions about career intent versus outcomes.

If your child is passionate about community organizing, they should understand this is a field where earnings don't reflect social impact. The debt here is the real problem—it's 69% higher than what graduates at other programs typically borrow. Look hard at whether this specific credential is necessary, or whether entering the nonprofit sector directly and learning on the job might deliver similar career outcomes without the debt burden.