Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Hawkeye Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,614

62nd percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$20,716

4% above national median

Analysis

Hawkeye Community College's allied health program produces graduates who consistently out-earn their Iowa peers, with first-year earnings of $39,614 placing it above the state median and showing steady improvement to $46,301 by year four. That 17% earnings growth trajectory suggests graduates develop more valuable skills as they gain experience, unlike some healthcare support programs where compensation plateaus quickly. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and 62nd nationally—solid middle-of-the-pack performance that reflects real market value.

The $20,716 in median debt sits above the Iowa average but below the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. This means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, which most can realistically pay down within a few years while building their careers. Among Iowa's 13 allied health programs, Hawkeye trails North Iowa Area's stronger earnings but beats several competitors, positioning it as a reasonable regional option.

For families seeking affordable healthcare credentials in eastern Iowa, this program delivers what it promises: steady employment at wages that exceed state norms without overwhelming debt. It's not the absolute top performer in the state, but the combination of above-average earnings and controlled borrowing makes it a practical choice for students committed to medical support careers.

Where Hawkeye Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Hawkeye Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Hawkeye Community College	$39,614	$46,301	+17%
Indian Hills Community College	$36,313	$42,909	+18%
North Iowa Area Community College	$44,455	$41,538	-7%
Western Iowa Tech Community College	$37,483	$40,280	+7%
Kirkwood Community College	$36,939	$35,277	-4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo	$6,308	$39,614	$46,301	$20,716	0.52
North Iowa Area Community CollegeMason City	$6,436	$44,455	$41,538	$17,000	0.38
Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City	$5,042	$37,483	$40,280	$13,750	0.37
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids	$5,980	$36,939	$35,277	$18,616	0.50
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa	$4,872	$36,313	$42,909	$19,316	0.53
Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge	$5,376	$34,244	—	$15,499	0.45
National Median	—	$36,862	—	$19,825	0.54

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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 Hawkeye Community College, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.