Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Indian Hills Community College
Associate's Degree
indianhills.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,872 | $36,313 | $42,909 | $19,316 | 0.53 | |
| $6,436 | $44,455 | $41,538 | $17,000 | 0.38 | |
| $6,308 | $39,614 | $46,301 | $20,716 | 0.52 | |
| $5,042 | $37,483 | $40,280 | $13,750 | 0.37 | |
| $5,980 | $36,939 | $35,277 | $18,616 | 0.50 | |
| $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
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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.