Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross College-Davenport

Ross College-Davenport's allied health program serves a predominantly low-income student population (86% receive Pell grants) but delivers earnings that trail both state and national benchmarks by roughly $5,000 annually. Graduates here earn about $32,000 in their first year—landing in just the 40th percentile among Iowa programs, where community colleges like North Iowa Area ($44,000) and Hawkeye ($40,000) consistently produce stronger outcomes. That $5,000 gap compounds over a career, representing tens of thousands in lost earnings potential.

The debt load of $15,600 is manageable at face value, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, but it sits in the 75th percentile nationally—meaning three-quarters of similar programs burden students with less debt. When you're already starting with below-average earnings, above-average debt amplifies the challenge. Modest 7% earnings growth to year four suggests limited advancement opportunity in the roles graduates typically fill.

For families considering this program, the comparison to Iowa's community colleges is stark. You'd likely pay less and earn more at institutions like Hawkeye or Western Iowa Tech, which produce graduates earning $5,000-$12,000 more annually. Unless location constraints make those alternatives impossible, the state's public institutions offer considerably better value in this field.