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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff. You'll borrow around $11,000 and earn a median of $42,046 a decade out, which clears your debt comfortably but doesn't move you into high-income territory. This is a solid deal if you pick the right program and a mediocre one if you don't.
Nursing is the clear winner here. The associate nursing program pays about $49,437, and dental support services isn't far behind at $48,041. Both come with heavier debt near $16,000, but the earnings justify it. The electrical and electronics maintenance track is arguably the smartest math on this list: it pays $45,383 while keeping debt at $12,000, so you get strong earnings without borrowing much. Computer systems networking is the one to watch closely. It pays the least of the top five at $41,565 yet carries the heaviest debt at $21,800, so the return is thin compared to the healthcare and trades options next to it.
The main risk is the 44% graduation rate. More than half of enrollees don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, none of these earnings figures apply to you. Every payoff here assumes you complete the program.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $8,400 a year, and cost barely rises. Above $75,000, your price jumps past $12,000. That's still cheap by college standards, but the gap means higher-income families lose most of the aid cushion.
This school fits you if you want a healthcare or skilled-trade credential close to central Iowa without taking on much debt. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a bachelor's-level career, since the program data here tops out at the associate level.
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.