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Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in Iowa

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2023 Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in Iowa

22 Schools Ranked
$10,237 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$21,468 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which healthcare program to enroll in when you have so many options available. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Healthcare Degree Search has created its Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. This report analyzed 22 schools in Iowa to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
289 Total Awards
$5,308 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,972 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Kirkwood Community College the most popular school in Iowa for healthcare students working on their associate degree. Kirkwood Community College is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 289 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Kirkwood Community College is $5,308. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,072. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,972 in student loans. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Kirkwood Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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226 Total Awards
$16,614 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Des Moines Area Community College is a great place for healthcare students working on their associate degree. DMACC is a public institution located in Ankeny, Iowa. The school has a large population, and it awarded 226 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from DMACC accumulate an average of $16,614 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that DMACC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#3

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa
168 Total Awards
$6,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,172 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 22 schools in Iowa that were part of this year’s ranking, Iowa Western Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 168 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $6,330 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Iowa Western Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,480. On average, associate degree students take out $21,172 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Iowa Western Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Iowa Western Community College Report

158 Total Awards
$20,417 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 22 schools in Iowa that were part of this year’s ranking, Eastern Iowa Community College District landed the # 4 spot on the list. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is located in Davenport, Iowa and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 158 associate degrees to qualified students.

On average, associate degree students take out $20,417 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Eastern Iowa Community Colleges does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#5

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa
136 Total Awards
$5,977 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,368 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 22 schools in Iowa that were part of this year’s ranking, Hawkeye Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Hawkeye Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Waterloo, Iowa. It awarded 136 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $5,977 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Hawkeye Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,524. On average, associate degree students take out $21,368 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Hawkeye Community College. In 2019-2020 about 41% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#6

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa
127 Total Awards
$6,000 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,832 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Iowa Central Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. Fort Dodge, Iowa is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 127 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Iowa Central Community College is $6,000. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,650. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,832 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Iowa Central Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 33% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Iowa Central Community College Report

126 Total Awards
$6,120 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, Northeast Iowa Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. NICC is located in Calmar, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 126 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $6,120 in tuition and fees if they attend NICC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,840. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Online courses are available at NICC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 55% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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110 Total Awards
$4,802 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,167 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Western Iowa Tech Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Sioux City, Iowa, and it awarded 110 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $4,802 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,826. Associate Degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College accumulate an average of $17,167 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Western Iowa Tech Community College. In 2019-2020 about 53% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Western Iowa Tech Community College Report

102 Total Awards
$17,117 Avg Student Debt

Indian Hills Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. IHCC is a public institution located in Ottumwa, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 102 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from IHCC accumulate an average of $17,117 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that IHCC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 36% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#10

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, Iowa
76 Total Awards
$32,883 Avg Student Debt

Mercy College of Health Sciences landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. Mercy College of Health Sciences is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Des Moines, Iowa. It awarded 76 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from Mercy College of Health Sciences accumulate an average of $32,883 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Mercy College of Health Sciences does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 81% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Mercy College of Health Sciences Report

#11

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
74 Total Awards
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,052 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. Southeastern Community College is located in West Burlington, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 74 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Iowa who attend Southeastern Community College full time pay an average of $6,090 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,240. On average, associate degree students take out $16,052 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Southeastern Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Southeastern Community College

72 Total Awards
$5,971 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,157 Avg Student Debt

North Iowa Area Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. North Iowa Area Community College is a small public school located in Mason City, Iowa that handed out 72 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $5,971 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Iowa Area Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,547. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,157 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Since North Iowa Area Community College is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Full North Iowa Area Community College Report

#13

St Luke's College

Sioux City, Iowa
54 Total Awards
$20,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,684 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, St Luke’s College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 54 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at St Luke’s College is $20,940. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from St Luke’s College accumulate an average of $23,684 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

St Luke’s College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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50 Total Awards
$6,540 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,567 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Iowa Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Northwest Iowa Community College is a small public school located in Sheldon, Iowa that handed out 50 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northwest Iowa Community College is $6,540. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,840. On average, associate degree students take out $16,567 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Northwest Iowa Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Northwest Iowa Community College Report

40 Total Awards
$6,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,617 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Southwestern Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. Located in Creston, Iowa, the small public school awarded 40 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $6,060 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SWCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,270. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,617 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

SWCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Southwestern Community College

#16

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, Iowa
33 Total Awards
$6,844 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,864 Avg Student Debt

Iowa Lakes Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. Iowa Lakes Community College is a public institution located in Estherville, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 33 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $6,844 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Iowa Lakes Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,196. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,864 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Iowa Lakes Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 45% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Iowa Lakes Community College

#17

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa
24 Total Awards
$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,126 Avg Student Debt

Marshalltown Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in Iowa list. Located in Marshalltown, Iowa, the small public school awarded 24 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Marshalltown Community College full time pay an average of $5,040 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,448. On average, associate degree students take out $17,126 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Marshalltown Community College. In 2019-2020 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Marshalltown Community College Report

#18

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, Iowa
22 Total Awards
$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,285 Avg Student Debt

Ellsworth Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. This very small public school is located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, and it awarded 22 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Ellsworth full time pay an average of $5,040 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,048. On average, associate degree students take out $13,285 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Ellsworth. In fact, around 67% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Allen College

Waterloo, Iowa
16 Total Awards
$19,718 Average Tuition & Fees

Allen College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Waterloo, Iowa, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 16 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Allen College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $19,718. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Allen College. In 2019-2020 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Allen College

#20

Ross College-Quad Cities

Bettendorf, Iowa
10 Total Awards
$21,838 Avg Student Debt

Ross College-Quad Cities landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. Located in Bettendorf, Iowa, the very small private for-profit school awarded 10 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $21,838 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Ross College-Quad Cities. In fact, around 15% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Ross College-Quad Cities Report

#21

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
9 Total Awards
$23,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,165 Avg Student Debt

Waldorf University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Forest City, Iowa, the small private for-profit school awarded 9 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Waldorf is $23,666. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $22,165 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Waldorf. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Waldorf University

#22

Dordt University

Sioux Center, Iowa
$33,590 Average Tuition & Fees

Dordt University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at Dordt is $33,590. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Online courses are available at Dordt, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 29% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Dordt University Report

Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 22 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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