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 gives you a low-cost, moderate-return path. You borrow around $12,000 median and land near $42,849 ten years out, so the debt stays small relative to what you earn. The bigger risk isn't debt, it's finishing: fewer than a third of students graduate, and the payoff numbers only apply if you're in that third.
Your program choice decides everything here. Computer systems networking and civil engineering technology both clear $49,000 as associate degrees, and dental support and agricultural mechanization aren't far behind. These are practical, hands-on credentials that plug into eastern Iowa's manufacturing, ag, and healthcare employers. Nursing pays $47,846 but comes with the heaviest borrowing on the list at roughly $18,469, so it's the one program where debt actually matters to your math. Any field outside these top earners is a gamble, since the school's median earnings sit well below what these leaders pull.
The main financial risk is enrolling without a clear line to one of these career programs. A general associate degree that doesn't lead to a specific trade or licensed job leaves you closer to the $42,849 median with no guarantee you finish.
Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $48,000 you pay around $8,400. if you earn over $110,000 you pay about $12,500. That flat structure means Hawkeye is cheap in absolute terms for everyone but offers lower earners only a modest break.
Go here if you want a technical or healthcare credential, plan to work in the Waterloo region, and will actually complete the program. Look elsewhere if you're undecided, need strong graduation support, or want a bachelor's-level earnings ceiling, since everything measured here tops out at the associate level.
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.