At $10,846/yr net price, Iowa Lakes Community College graduates earn $43,108/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,108/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,846 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,108/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,108/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.8% |
| 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 | $8,943/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,858/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,933/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,397/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,429/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 | $46,869 | $20,426 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $11,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
25.8% of students at Iowa Lakes 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
Iowa Lakes Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in nursing but weak performance across most other programs. The low graduation rate of 26% creates significant financial risk for your investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, producing graduates earning $46,869 annually. Even with higher debt loads of $20,426, nursing students see solid returns that justify the cost. The program connects well with rural Iowa's healthcare demand, making job placement likely.
Most other programs struggle to deliver value. Liberal arts graduates earn just $21,508 despite carrying $11,000 in debt, while business administration produces even lower returns at $20,140. These earnings barely exceed what you might earn without college, making the time and money investment questionable.
The school works best for students committed to nursing or specific trades who want to stay in rural Iowa. Vehicle maintenance shows decent earning potential at $33,993, though job availability may be limited in smaller towns. If you're unsure about your major or considering transfer to a four-year school, the poor graduation rates suggest you might struggle to complete your program.
Financial aid reaches only 20% of students, indicating limited scholarship opportunities. The relatively low net price of $10,846 makes Iowa Lakes affordable, but only if you actually graduate. Your biggest financial risk is dropping out after accumulating debt but before completing your credential.
Choose Iowa Lakes if you have a clear career plan in nursing or trades and prefer staying local. Look elsewhere if you need extensive support services, want broad program options, or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa Lakes Community College worth the cost?
Iowa Lakes Community College offers decent value for nursing students who graduate, but the extremely low 26% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs. With a net price of $10,846 annually and median debt of $12,000, it's affordable if you finish.
What programs at Iowa Lakes Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs at Iowa Lakes Community College lead to the highest earnings at $46,869 annually, followed by vehicle maintenance programs at $33,993. Liberal arts and business programs result in much lower earnings around $20,000-21,000.
How much debt do Iowa Lakes Community College graduates have?
Iowa Lakes Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with earnings averaging $43,108 ten years after enrollment, debt-to-income ratios remain reasonable for completing students.
What is the graduation rate at Iowa Lakes Community College?
Only 26% of students graduate from Iowa Lakes Community College, which is well below average for community colleges. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition despite affordable tuition.