At $6,718/yr net price, Black Hawk College graduates earn $37,253/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,253/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,718 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,253/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,253/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,377/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,142/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,048/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,147/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,809/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,045 | $9,947 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $25,484 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,824 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,444 | $6,250 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
43.2% of students at Black Hawk College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Black Hawk College delivers solid financial returns for healthcare-focused students but struggles in other areas. The low net price of $6,718 annually makes this one of the more affordable paths to career training in the Quad Cities region.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $53,045 annually against modest debt loads under $10,000. Allied health programs also perform well at $46,478 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks align perfectly with regional demand from UnityPoint Health, Genesis Health System, and other major employers in the Illinois-Iowa corridor.
However, your financial prospects dim considerably outside healthcare fields. Biological and physical sciences graduates earn just $25,484, barely above what you could make without a degree. Health administration pays similarly poor returns at $25,194 despite requiring specialized training.
The 43% graduation rate creates significant risk. You face nearly even odds of completing your program, meaning many students accumulate debt without credentials. This risk hits hardest if you struggle with the demanding pace of healthcare coursework.
Black Hawk works best if you have clear healthcare career goals and need affordable local training. The nursing program offers legitimate career advancement with reasonable debt loads. You should look elsewhere if you want broad academic options or lack certainty about healthcare as a career path.
Financial aid reaches only 25% of students, suggesting most families can manage costs without borrowing. Merit scholarships exist but target specific programs, particularly nursing and skilled trades, making early program selection important for maximizing aid opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Hawk College worth the money?
Black Hawk College offers good value with a low net price of $6,718 per year and median debt of just $8,375. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying majors at Black Hawk College?
Registered nursing programs at Black Hawk College lead to median earnings of $53,045, making them the clear best investment. Allied health programs also perform well at $46,478, while most other programs result in below-average earnings around $25,000.
How much debt do Black Hawk College graduates have?
Black Hawk College graduates have relatively low debt with a median of $8,375. This manageable debt load helps improve ROI, especially for nursing and allied health graduates who earn higher salaries.
Do Black Hawk College graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Black Hawk College graduates earn a median of $37,253 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Nursing and allied health graduates do significantly better, while other programs often lead to lower-paying jobs.