At $9,388/yr net price, Kirkwood Community College graduates earn $41,016/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,016/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,388 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,016/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,016/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.5% |
| 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 | $6,322/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,831/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,806/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,463/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,234/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 | $51,054 | $15,750 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,041 | $15,983 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,500 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $44,356 | $12,585 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,319 | $15,788 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $42,123 | $14,112 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,342 | $12,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,369 | $10,000 |
The Risk Factor
40.5% of students at Kirkwood 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
Kirkwood Community College delivers solid returns for most career-focused programs, with nursing and technical fields leading earnings outcomes. Your total investment stays manageable at under $19,000 for a two-year degree, while graduates earn a median $41,016 within ten years.
Nursing graduates see the strongest payoff, earning over $51,000 annually despite carrying $15,750 in debt. Technical programs like electromechanical instrumentation and electrical engineering also perform well, with graduates earning $45,500 to $48,000. These fields align with Iowa's manufacturing and healthcare job markets, giving you strong regional employment prospects.
The 40% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to consider seriously. Many students leave without credentials, making their investment a total loss. Your likelihood of finishing depends heavily on your preparation level and time management skills.
You face minimal debt risk with a $12,000 median, but only 24% of students receive financial aid. This suggests most families pay out of pocket, which works if you can afford the $9,388 annual net price without borrowing extensively.
Kirkwood makes financial sense if you target high-demand technical fields or nursing and can commit to completing your program. The school works particularly well for working adults seeking career changes in healthcare or manufacturing. Avoid Kirkwood if you struggle with self-direction or lack clear career goals, since the low graduation rate indicates many students fail to finish. Traditional four-year bound students should look elsewhere unless cost concerns override degree preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kirkwood Community College worth the money?
Kirkwood offers strong value with a low net price of $9,388 per year and typical debt of just $12,000. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Kirkwood Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at around $51,000 annually, followed by electromechanical instrumentation and agricultural mechanization at roughly $46,000-$48,000. These technical programs offer the best financial returns at Kirkwood.
How much debt do Kirkwood Community College graduates have?
Kirkwood graduates typically carry $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps make the investment worthwhile even with modest post-graduation earnings of $41,000.
Do Kirkwood Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduates earn a median of $41,016 ten years after starting, which is reasonable for a community college but varies significantly by program. Technical fields like nursing and electromechanical work pay much better than the overall average.