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Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa

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2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa

63 Schools Ranked
$42,838 Average Earnings
$26,017 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.

The Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking is one of many tools that Healthcare Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 63 schools in Iowa to see which programs were the most popular 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

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
1,208 Total Awards
$50,430 Average Earnings
$23,563 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Iowa the most popular school in Iowa for healthcare students working on their degree. Iowa is a large public school situated in Iowa City, Iowa. It awarded 1,208 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,563 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $379. During the early years of their career, Iowa graduates make an average of $50,430 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Read full report on University of Iowa

802 Total Awards
$37,576 Average Earnings
$16,577 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Des Moines Area Community College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. DMACC is located in Ankeny, Iowa and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 802 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,577 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $64 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from DMACC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,576 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Des Moines Area Community College Report

728 Total Awards
$31,155 Average Earnings
$14,142 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the medium-sized public school handed out 728 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College accumulate an average of $14,142 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,155 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Read full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College

606 Total Awards
$40,914 Average Earnings

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport is a great place for healthcare students. Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport is a small private not-for-profit school located in Davenport, Iowa that handed out 606 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,914 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Read full report on Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport

#5

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
441 Total Awards
$38,090 Average Earnings
$19,882 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Kirkwood Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular healthcare schools in Iowa. Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 441 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,882 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $59, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Kirkwood Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,090 during the early year of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Kirkwood Community College

424 Total Awards
$47,534 Average Earnings
$29,657 Avg Student Debt

Mercy College of Health Sciences landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Mercy College of Health Sciences is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Des Moines, Iowa. It awarded 424 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,657 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $330. During the early years of their career, Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates make an average of $47,534 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Full Mercy College of Health Sciences Report

#7

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa
362 Total Awards
$39,271 Average Earnings
$18,104 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Iowa Western Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 362 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,104 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $97. Once they receive their degree, Iowa Western Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,271 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full Iowa Western Community College Report

#8

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa
318 Total Awards
$39,705 Average Earnings
$19,575 Avg Student Debt

Iowa Central Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Iowa Central Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It awarded 318 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,575 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $62 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Iowa Central Community College graduates make an average of $39,705 annually. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Iowa Central Community College Report

293 Total Awards
$35,028 Average Earnings
$18,463 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Eastern Iowa Community College District did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Davenport, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 293 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,463 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,028 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Read full report on Eastern Iowa Community College District

292 Total Awards
$54,336 Average Earnings
$27,121 Avg Student Debt

Graceland University - Lamoni did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #10 on the list. Graceland University - Lamoni is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lamoni, Iowa that handed out 292 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,121 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $180, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Graceland Lamoni graduates make an average of $54,336 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Graceland University - Lamoni

#11

Allen College

Waterloo, Iowa
276 Total Awards
$64,491 Average Earnings
$32,608 Avg Student Debt

Allen College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Allen College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Waterloo, Iowa that handed out 276 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Allen College accumulate an average of $32,608 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $242 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Allen College graduates make an average of $64,491 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Read full report on Allen College

272 Total Awards
$37,111 Average Earnings
$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. It came in at #12 on the list. This small public school is located in Mason City, Iowa, and it awarded 272 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,157 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from North Iowa Area Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,111 during the early years of their career. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on North Iowa Area Community College

#13

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
271 Total Awards
$35,945 Average Earnings
$15,654 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Southeastern Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. West Burlington, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 271 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,654 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Southeastern Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,945 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

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258 Total Awards
$36,089 Average Earnings
$15,283 Avg Student Debt

Northeast Iowa Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. NICC is located in Calmar, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 258 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,283 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, NICC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,089 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Read full report on Northeast Iowa Community College

#15

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
243 Total Awards
$48,142 Average Earnings
$23,598 Avg Student Debt

Iowa State University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Located in Ames, Iowa, the large public school awarded 243 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Iowa State accumulate an average of $23,598 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $257, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Iowa State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,142 during the early year of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Iowa State University

#16

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, Iowa
232 Total Awards
$50,094 Average Earnings
$27,244 Avg Student Debt

Saint Ambrose University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Davenport, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 232 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from St. Ambrose University accumulate an average of $27,244 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $401 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from St. Ambrose University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,094 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Saint Ambrose University Report

#17

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa
215 Total Awards
$38,877 Average Earnings
$19,679 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Hawkeye Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Waterloo, Iowa, and it awarded 215 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,679 in student loans.After graduating from Hawkeye Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,877 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Full Hawkeye Community College Report

185 Total Awards
$43,385 Average Earnings
$17,709 Avg Student Debt

Indian Hills Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Located in Ottumwa, Iowa, the small public school handed out 185 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,709 in student loans.After graduating from IHCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,385 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Full Indian Hills Community College Report

432 Total Awards
$68,161 Average Earnings

Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #19 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and it awarded 432 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $68,161 during the early years of their career. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#20

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa
174 Total Awards
$46,927 Average Earnings
$20,572 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Drake University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 174 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,572 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $432, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Drake graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,927 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Full Drake University Report

#21

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
167 Total Awards
$40,810 Average Earnings
$22,939 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Iowa landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and it awarded 167 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,939 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $172. During the early years of their career, UNI graduates make an average of $40,810 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Read More…

#22

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
159 Total Awards
$45,158 Average Earnings
$29,114 Avg Student Debt

Mount Mercy University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 159 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,114 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $289, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mount Mercy graduates make an average of $45,158 annually. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Mount Mercy University

#23

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa
142 Total Awards
$45,288 Average Earnings
$34,092 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Upper Iowa University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 142 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $34,092 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UIU graduates make an average of $45,288 annually. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Upper Iowa University Report

#24

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, Iowa
123 Total Awards
$46,310 Average Earnings
$23,123 Avg Student Debt

Briar Cliff University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Briar Cliff University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Sioux City, Iowa that handed out 123 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,123 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Briar Cliff graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,310 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Read full report on Briar Cliff University

113 Total Awards
$48,199 Average Earnings
$15,751 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Iowa Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Northwest Iowa Community College is located in Sheldon, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 113 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Northwest Iowa Community College accumulate an average of $15,751 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Northwest Iowa Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,199 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Read More…

Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 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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