Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Iowa Central Community College

Starting at $34,244 puts Iowa Central graduates roughly $2,700 below what their peers at other Iowa community colleges typically earn—and nearly $10,000 behind the top program at North Iowa Area. In a field where most programs produce similar outcomes, ranking 40th percentile within Iowa and 38th percentile nationally suggests this program isn't keeping pace with competitors, even accounting for Iowa's lower cost of living.

The debt load of $15,499 is actually lighter than both state and national averages, which helps the overall value proposition. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates should be able to manage repayment, though 31% of students here receive Pell grants and may face tighter financial margins early in their careers. The earnings gap matters more for these students who are likely counting on every dollar.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two outliers could be skewing the picture considerably. If you're seriously considering Iowa Central, ask the program directly about job placement rates and typical employers. Given the $5,000-$10,000 earnings advantage at nearby Iowa community colleges with stronger track records, it's worth exploring whether programs like North Iowa Area or Hawkeye are accessible options—the modest additional distance could translate to meaningfully better financial outcomes.