At $10,059/yr net price, Northeast Iowa Community College graduates earn $41,306/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,306/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,059 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,306/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,306/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.7% |
| 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 | $8,886/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,480/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,462/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,428/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,057/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 | $51,065 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $48,901 | $17,750 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Certificate | $44,468 | $7,000 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $37,928 | $5,446 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,437 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $36,077 | $5,500 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $35,954 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $34,704 |
The Risk Factor
47.7% of students at Northeast Iowa 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
Northeast Iowa Community College gives you a low-risk financial bet. You leave with a median debt of $12,000 against median earnings of $41,306, so the debt load stays well below what you'd earn in a year. For a two-year public college feeding a rural Iowa job market, that math works.
Nursing is the clear winner here. The associate nursing degree pays the most of any program at the school, and it costs you nothing in listed debt while the certificate version carries the highest debt on campus at $17,750. If nursing is your goal, take the associate route and skip the certificate. Agricultural Mechanization is the other strong play, especially the certificate, which pays close to the associate degree but leaves you with just $7,000 in debt. Precision Metal Working pays the least of the top programs at $37,928, but its $5,446 debt makes it one of the cheapest paths to a paycheck here.
The main risk is finishing. Fewer than half of students graduate, and the earnings and debt numbers only pay off if you're in that group. Start a program and drop out, and you carry cost with no credential to show for it.
This school fits you if you want a healthcare or skilled-trade credential tied to the local economy and you plan to finish fast. If you want a bachelor's degree or careers outside nursing, ag, and metalworking, look elsewhere or use this as a transfer stepping stone.
Net price barely moves across income levels. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $8,886. over $110,000, you pay $13,057. That $4,000 spread means lower-income families get some help, but no one here pays a rock-bottom price. Budget for close to full cost regardless of income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast Iowa Community College worth the money?
Northeast Iowa Community College offers decent value with a net price of $10,059 annually and median debt of only $12,000. However, the 47.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $41,306 after 10 years are modest.
What are the highest paying programs at Northeast Iowa Community College?
Nursing programs at Northeast Iowa Community College lead to the best earnings, with graduates earning around $48,901-$51,065. Agricultural mechanization and precision metal working programs also show solid returns at $37,928-$44,468.
How much debt will I have after Northeast Iowa Community College?
Students at Northeast Iowa Community College graduate with a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low for college programs. The affordable tuition and strong financial aid help keep borrowing manageable.
What is the graduation rate at Northeast Iowa Community College?
Northeast Iowa Community College has a 47.7% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is a significant risk factor to consider when evaluating the investment.