Health and Medical Administrative Services (Associate's Degree) at Kirkwood Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$33,009

56th percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$26,818

17% above national median

Analysis

Kirkwood's health administration program graduates earn slightly above both national and Iowa medians at $33,009, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly. While this places the program in the 60th percentile statewide, that still means half of Iowa's programs produce stronger results—notably Eastern Iowa Community College District, where graduates earn nearly $40,000.

The debt load here sits at $26,818, creating a 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but not exceptional. You're looking at roughly nine months of gross income to cover the total debt—reasonable for a two-year degree, but higher than the state median of $23,000. Given that healthcare administration roles often require additional credentials or experience to reach higher salary levels, starting at $33,000 leaves limited room for loan payments while pursuing further education or certifications.

For parents weighing this investment, the program works as a launching point rather than a destination. If your child plans to build on this degree—either through work experience or further education—Kirkwood provides an acceptable foundation. But if Eastern Iowa Community College District is geographically feasible, that extra $6,400 in starting salary would accelerate debt payoff considerably. The small sample size here is also worth noting: these numbers might not reflect what your specific student will earn.

Where Kirkwood Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Kirkwood Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Health and Medical Administrative 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
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids	$5,980	$33,009	—	$26,818	0.81
Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDavenport	$4,680	$39,416	$43,116	$11,700	0.30
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo	$6,308	$31,441	$28,143	$23,000	0.73
National Median	—	$31,719	—	$23,000	0.73

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 Kirkwood Community College, approximately 24% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.