Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,206
61st percentile (60th in IA)
Median Debt
$17,000
20% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
29
Limited data

Analysis

Northeast Iowa Community College's graduates earn about $5,500 more than the typical allied health credential holder in Iowa—a meaningful premium that places the program solidly in the 60th percentile statewide. With debt of $17,000 (matching the state median), graduates face a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe roughly four months' salary. This compares favorably to many healthcare certificate programs where debt can quickly spiral relative to entry-level wages.

The real advantage here is earning power: first-year income of $51,206 outpaces both state and national medians by around $5,000-$6,000 annually. That gap compounds over time, potentially adding tens of thousands in lifetime earnings compared to choosing a lower-performing Iowa program. Among allied health programs in a state with 16 options, this program clearly delivers better-than-average outcomes.

The main caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means individual circumstances could skew these numbers either way. However, the consistent performance across both earnings and debt metrics suggests the advantage is real. For an Iowa family seeking affordable healthcare training with strong earning potential, this program offers a solid return without the risk of crushing debt.

Where Northeast Iowa Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

Northeast Iowa Community CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions 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 Northeast Iowa Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northeast Iowa Community College graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (16 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northeast Iowa Community College$51,206$17,0000.33
Des Moines Area Community College$45,688$20,6000.45
Western Iowa Tech Community College$43,254$42,923$7,9350.18
National Median$45,746$14,1670.31

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in Iowa

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny
$5,550$45,688$20,600
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City
$5,042$43,254$7,935

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 Northeast Iowa Community College, approximately 23% 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.