Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,313
47th percentile
40th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$19,316
3% below national median

Analysis

With only about 30 graduates tracked, this data snapshot suggests Indian Hills' allied health program delivers middle-of-the-road results for Iowa. Starting earnings of $36,313 land below the state median of $36,939 and trail significantly behind top performers like North Iowa Area ($44,455) and Hawkeye ($39,614). By year four, earnings climb to $42,909—solid growth of 18%—but graduates still start behind peers at other Iowa community colleges. The debt load of $19,316 sits above the state median of $17,000, creating a slightly tighter financial squeeze in those crucial early years.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, which is manageable but not exceptional. For context, this program ranks in the 40th percentile among Iowa schools—meaning six out of ten similar programs in the state produce better starting outcomes. The earnings growth is encouraging, suggesting the credentials and experience pay off over time, but families should weigh whether that initial gap matters for their student's financial situation.

For parents comparing community college options in Iowa, this isn't a bad choice, but it's worth understanding your child would likely start with lower earnings and slightly higher debt than at several peer institutions. If Indian Hills offers geographic convenience or other program advantages, the gap may be worth it. Otherwise, programs at North Iowa or Hawkeye appear to offer stronger returns from day one.

Where Indian Hills Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Indian Hills Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Indian Hills Community College$36,313$42,909+18%
Hawkeye Community College$39,614$46,301+17%
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa$4,872$36,313$42,909$19,3160.53
North Iowa Area Community CollegeMason City$6,436$44,455$41,538$17,0000.38
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo$6,308$39,614$46,301$20,7160.52
Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City$5,042$37,483$40,280$13,7500.37
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids$5,980$36,939$35,277$18,6160.50
Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge$5,376$34,244$15,4990.45
National Median$36,862$19,8250.54

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 Indian Hills 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.