At $9,601/yr net price, Iowa Central Community College graduates earn $42,046/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,046/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,601 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,046/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,046/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,354/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,507/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,762/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,495/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,035/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 | $49,437 | $16,621 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | $16,930 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $45,383 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $13,740 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $41,565 | $21,800 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,521 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $35,274 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,213 | $14,250 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,228 | $12,625 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
44.0% of students at Iowa Central 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
Iowa Central Community College delivers solid returns for career-focused programs but leaves liberal arts students with limited earning potential. Your nursing degree here pays off quickly with median earnings of $49,437 and manageable debt of $16,621, while dental support services offer similar financial outcomes at $48,041 annually.
The electrical maintenance program stands out for its strong earnings-to-debt ratio, producing $45,383 median salaries with just $12,000 in typical debt. Computer networking graduates earn $41,565 but carry significantly higher debt loads at $21,800, making this program a weaker financial choice despite decent salaries.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 44% graduation rate. More than half of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you waste time and money if you cannot commit to finishing. The school works well financially if you target high-demand healthcare or technical fields and can complete your program within two years.
You should consider Iowa Central if you want nursing, dental support, or electrical training at below-average costs for these fields. The $9,601 annual net price keeps total education costs reasonable for career programs that lead directly to jobs in the Fort Dodge region.
Skip this school if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the low completion rates suggest academic support may be lacking for students pursuing general education. The limited financial aid participation rate of 31% means you will likely pay closer to full price unless you qualify for federal grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa Central Community College worth the cost?
Iowa Central Community College offers decent value with a net price of $9,601 per year and graduates earning $42,046 after 10 years. The low median debt of $11,000 makes it financially manageable, though the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at Iowa Central Community College?
Nursing programs at Iowa Central lead to the highest earnings at $49,437 annually, followed by dental support services at $48,041. Electrical maintenance and allied health programs also pay well above the school average.
How much debt do Iowa Central Community College graduates have?
Iowa Central graduates have a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively low for college debt. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment compared to more expensive schools.
What is the graduation rate at Iowa Central Community College?
Iowa Central has a 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.