At $7,492/yr net price, Indian Hills Community College graduates earn $40,507/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,507/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,492 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,507/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,507/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,481/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,459/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,284/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,802/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,364/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $57,318 | $10,477 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $54,035 | $12,620 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,667 | $17,334 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $47,513 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,663 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $38,289 | $14,375 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,848 | $13,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,060 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
40.4% of students at Indian Hills Community 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
Indian Hills Community College delivers solid returns for technical programs but shows concerning graduation rates that undermine its overall value proposition. With a 40% graduation rate, six out of ten students leave without completing their programs, making this a high-risk investment despite the low $7,492 annual cost.
Your best financial bets are electrical engineering technology and computer programming, which produce graduates earning $57,318 and $54,035 respectively. These programs justify their costs within two years of graduation. Nursing offers strong earnings at $48,667 but requires higher debt at $17,334, extending your payback period. Precision metalworking rounds out the profitable programs at $47,513.
The major risk here is completion. If you struggle with self-directed learning or lack strong academic preparation, the low graduation rate suggests you may not finish your program. Rural Iowa's limited job market also means you may need to relocate after graduation to maximize your earning potential, particularly for technical roles.
This school works best for motivated students pursuing specific technical skills who can handle the independent learning environment. If you need extensive academic support or prefer urban job markets, consider alternatives. The low percentage of students receiving aid (22%) suggests limited need-based assistance, so expect to cover most costs through savings or federal loans.
Skip programs not listed among the top earners, as they likely lead to wages below the $40,507 median. Your success depends heavily on program choice and your ability to complete coursework independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indian Hills Community College worth the cost?
At $7,492 per year, Indian Hills Community College offers decent value for technical programs, but the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish. Students who complete programs in electrical engineering technology or computer programming typically earn $52,000-$57,000, making the investment worthwhile for those fields.
What programs at Indian Hills Community College have the best ROI?
Electrical engineering technology ($57,318 median salary), computer programming ($54,035), and electromechanical instrumentation ($52,107) offer the strongest returns. These technical programs can pay off the typical $10,500 debt load within a few years of graduation.
How much debt do Indian Hills Community College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $10,500, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with overall graduate earnings averaging $40,507 after 10 years, students should focus on higher-paying technical programs to ensure they can handle loan payments comfortably.
Does Indian Hills Community College have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 40% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. Those who do graduate in technical fields like electrical technology or nursing typically find stable work, but students should be realistic about the completion challenges.