Analysis
In Iowa, computer programming associate's programs show substantial variation in outcomes, with graduates from Indian Hills Community College earning over $63,000 compared to Kirkwood's $39,000. Eastern Iowa Community College District falls somewhere in this range based on national patterns, though precise outcomes for this specific program aren't available due to small class sizes.
The estimated figures—$38,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $18,000 in debt—suggest a manageable debt load at face value, with borrowed amounts representing less than half a year's salary. However, these national benchmarks sit well below Iowa's median of $51,000 for similar programs. That gap matters: if graduates from this program track closer to the state average, the investment looks considerably stronger. If outcomes align with the national estimate or the lower end seen at Kirkwood, students might struggle to match the earning power of peers at nearby community colleges.
The uncertainty here isn't academic—it directly affects return on investment. With Iowa's computer programming programs ranging from solid to excellent, you'll want to dig into Eastern Iowa's specific placement rates and employer connections before committing. The debt level is reasonable, but only if post-graduation earnings land closer to the state norm than the conservative national estimate suggests.
Where Eastern Iowa Community College District Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,680 | $38,086* | — | $17,750* | — | |
| $4,872 | $63,559* | $56,895 | $12,000* | 0.19 | |
| $5,980 | $39,216* | $54,047 | $15,737* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $38,086* | — | $17,108* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Eastern Iowa Community College District, approximately 22% 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 30 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.