Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Western Iowa Tech Community College

The modest $13,750 debt load here stands out as genuinely manageable—it's well below both Iowa's median ($17,000) and the national average ($19,825) for this field. With first-year earnings of $37,483, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.37, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross earnings. That's a relatively painless start for a healthcare support career.

However, earnings here lag behind stronger Iowa programs. At 60th percentile statewide, Western Iowa Tech sits solidly in the middle of the pack—acceptable, but nowhere near top performers like North Iowa Area ($44,455) or Hawkeye ($39,614). The 8% earnings growth to $40,280 by year four is steady but unspectacular. One significant caveat: this data comes from a very small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual circumstances could swing these numbers considerably in either direction.

For families prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential, this program delivers a low-risk entry point into healthcare. The debt burden won't cripple graduates, and the earnings are respectable if not spectacular. But if your child can access one of Iowa's higher-performing programs—particularly those breaking $40,000 in first-year earnings—that extra $5,000-7,000 annually adds up significantly over a career. Consider location and program accessibility alongside these numbers.