Health and Medical Administrative Services at Ross College-Davenport

Ross College-Davenport's medical administrative certificate program tells a split story: it beats the national average but underperforms compared to other Iowa options. At $28,570 after one year, graduates earn slightly above the national median for these programs, placing them in the 57th percentile nationally. However, within Iowa—where the field typically pays better—this program sits at the 40th percentile, with the state median reaching $31,836. Nearly all Iowa community colleges offering this credential deliver stronger outcomes, with schools like Northeast Iowa and Des Moines Area producing graduates earning $8,000-plus more annually.

The $9,500 debt load is manageable in absolute terms, creating a 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio that many programs would envy. But that metric needs context: other Iowa schools prove you can get better earnings with similar or even lower debt. The virtually flat earnings trajectory—just $172 growth over four years—means there's little financial upside to offset the lower starting point.

For families considering this program, the crucial question is access to alternatives. If Iowa's community college options are available, they offer demonstrably better value for the same credential. Ross serves a predominantly low-income population (86% receive Pell grants), and for students who need the flexibility or support services that for-profit institutions sometimes provide, this program won't saddle them with unmanageable debt. But the opportunity cost is real—choosing this program over nearby community college alternatives means leaving thousands of dollars on the table.