Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,313
47th percentile (40th in IA)
Median Debt
$19,316
3% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.53
Manageable
Sample Size
24
Limited data

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

Indian Hills Community CollegeOther allied health and medical assisting services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Indian Hills Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Indian Hills Community College graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indian Hills Community College$36,313$42,909$19,3160.53
North Iowa Area Community College$44,455$41,538$17,0000.38
Hawkeye Community College$39,614$46,301$20,7160.52
Western Iowa Tech Community College$37,483$40,280$13,7500.37
Kirkwood Community College$36,939$35,277$18,6160.50
Iowa Central Community College$34,244—$15,4990.45
National Median$36,862—$19,8250.54

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Iowa

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City
$6,436$44,455$17,000
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo
$6,308$39,614$20,716
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City
$5,042$37,483$13,750
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids
$5,980$36,939$18,616
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge
$5,376$34,244$15,499

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.