Health and Medical Administrative Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Hawkeye Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$32,126

84th percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$21,500

107% above national median

Analysis

Hawkeye's medical administrative certificate is one of the more expensive pathways into this field—in fact, graduates here carry debt that exceeds the national median by more than double. While first-year earnings of $32,126 beat the national median and place this program in the 84th percentile nationally, that advantage narrows considerably within Iowa, where it ranks in the 60th percentile. Several other Iowa community colleges deliver similar or better earnings outcomes with significantly less debt burden.

The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own, but context matters: students here are borrowing $21,500 for an entry-level administrative credential. Compare that to Western Iowa Tech, where students earn nearly identical wages while carrying about $5,000 less debt. The question for families becomes whether Hawkeye's location or specific program features justify that premium.

Keep in mind these numbers come from a small graduating class, so individual circumstances could vary considerably. For parents weighing this option, the program does produce above-average earners nationally, but within Iowa's community college landscape, it's a middle-of-the-pack choice at a higher price point. If geography permits, exploring Northeast Iowa or Des Moines Area's programs could deliver better return on investment.

Where Hawkeye Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Hawkeye Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate'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	$32,126	—	$21,500	0.67
Northeast Iowa Community CollegeCalmar	$6,600	$36,716	—	$20,500	0.56
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny	$5,550	$35,662	$33,282	$17,000	0.48
Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City	$5,042	$31,546	$21,627	$16,343	0.52
Orion Technical CollegeDavenport	$15,600	$30,351	$28,916	$9,500	0.31
Ross College-DavenportDavenport	—	$28,570	$28,742	$9,500	0.33
National Median	—	$27,783	—	$10,372	0.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.