Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $42,793
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,033
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,822 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,883 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,132 | $13,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,416 | $12,229 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,719 | |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Associate | $27,295 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,536 | $10,958 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $25,194 | $11,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
Outcomes Overview
Iowa Western graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $11,033 creates monthly payments of $117, representing just 3.5% of typical graduate income. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 sits well below problematic thresholds. The college's strong ties to regional employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture help explain the impressive 95.7% employment rate. Many graduates pursue careers as dental hygienists, welders, and automotive technicians in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Five years post-graduation, median earnings reach $49,011, nearly quadruple the debt burden. The 43.48% loan repayment rate reflects graduates' ability to manage payments while building careers. Iowa Western delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.