At $10,298/yr net price, Hawkeye Community College graduates earn $42,849/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,849/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,298 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,849/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,849/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,428/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,494/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,185/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,722/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,502/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $51,273 | |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,840 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,823 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $47,846 | $18,469 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $45,852 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $44,942 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,054 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,829 | $6,800 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $38,769 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,808 |
The Risk Factor
31.5% of students at Hawkeye Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Hawkeye Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with graduates earning $42,849 annually against just $12,000 in typical debt. The school's technical programs drive these strong outcomes, particularly in networking and telecommunications, which pays $51,273 yearly, and civil engineering technology at $49,840.
You should target the hands-on programs that align with Iowa's industrial base. Dental support services pays $48,823, while nursing graduates earn $47,846 despite carrying higher debt loads of $18,469. Agricultural mechanization fits the regional economy well at $45,852 annually. These technical tracks justify the investment far better than general studies programs.
The 31% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. If you struggle with structured learning or lack clear career goals, you may join the majority who leave without credentials. The low 22% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, though the $10,298 annual cost remains manageable for most families.
This school works best if you want specific job skills for Iowa's manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. Local employers actively recruit Hawkeye graduates, giving you direct pathways into stable middle-class careers. Skip this option if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the academic preparation programs show weaker returns than the technical certificates and associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawkeye Community College worth the money?
Hawkeye Community College offers reasonable value with a net price of $10,298 and graduates earning $42,849 after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 31.5% is concerning and means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Hawkeye Community College?
Computer networking and civil engineering technology programs at Hawkeye lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $51,000 and $49,800 respectively. Nursing and dental support programs also pay well at nearly $48,000.
How much debt do Hawkeye Community College students graduate with?
The median debt at Hawkeye Community College is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load helps make the programs financially viable even with modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Hawkeye Community College?
Only 31.5% of students graduate from Hawkeye Community College, meaning about 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This high dropout rate is a significant risk factor when considering enrollment.