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Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa

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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa

63 Schools Ranked
$42,787 Average Earnings
$25,287 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.

The Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 63 schools in Iowa to see which ones were the most popular programs for trade school 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:

4,028 Total Awards
$37,576 Average Earnings
$11,831 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Des Moines Area Community College to be the most popular school for trade school students in Iowa. Des Moines Area Community College is a large public school located in Ankeny, Iowa that handed out 4,028 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,831 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $95. During the early years of their career, DMACC graduates make an average of $37,576 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Des Moines Area Community College Report

1,848 Total Awards
$31,155 Average Earnings
$11,311 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Western Iowa Tech Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Iowa. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,848 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College accumulate an average of $11,311 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Western Iowa Tech Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,155 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#3

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
2,365 Total Awards
$38,090 Average Earnings
$15,926 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 63 schools in Iowa that were part of this year’s ranking, Kirkwood Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Kirkwood Community College is a public institution located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,365 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,926 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $68.After graduating from Kirkwood Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,090 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Kirkwood Community College Report

#4

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa
1,407 Total Awards
$39,271 Average Earnings
$13,979 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Iowa Western Community College is a great place for trade school students. Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,407 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,979 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $118, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Iowa Western Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,271 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Full Iowa Western Community College Report

1,143 Total Awards
$35,028 Average Earnings
$15,064 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Eastern Iowa Community College District. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa list. Located in Davenport, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,143 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,064 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,028 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#6

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa
1,134 Total Awards
$39,705 Average Earnings
$16,754 Avg Student Debt

Iowa Central Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #6 on the list. Fort Dodge, Iowa is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,134 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,754 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $68. During the early years of their career, Iowa Central Community College graduates make an average of $39,705 annually. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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735 Total Awards
$43,385 Average Earnings
$14,356 Avg Student Debt

Indian Hills Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This small public school is located in Ottumwa, Iowa, and it awarded 735 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,356 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from IHCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,385 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Indian Hills Community College Report

#8

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa
925 Total Awards
$38,877 Average Earnings
$16,143 Avg Student Debt

Hawkeye Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. Hawkeye Community College is a public institution located in Waterloo, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 925 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,143 in loans while pursuing their degree.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. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

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903 Total Awards
$37,111 Average Earnings
$11,264 Avg Student Debt

North Iowa Area Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. North Iowa Area Community College is a small public school situated in Mason City, Iowa. It awarded 903 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from North Iowa Area Community College accumulate an average of $11,264 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, North Iowa Area Community College graduates make an average of $37,111 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

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#10

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
767 Total Awards
$35,945 Average Earnings
$14,116 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa list. Southeastern Community College is a small public school located in West Burlington, Iowa that handed out 767 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,116 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Southeastern Community College graduates make an average of $35,945 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

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596 Total Awards
$36,089 Average Earnings
$12,670 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Northeast Iowa Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. NICC is a small public school situated in Calmar, Iowa. It awarded 596 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,670 in student loans. 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, 67% were women.

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356 Total Awards
$48,199 Average Earnings
$9,876 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Iowa Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa list. Sheldon, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 356 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,876 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Northwest Iowa Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,199 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Full Northwest Iowa Community College Report

#13

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa
435 Total Awards
$33,535 Average Earnings
$13,245 Avg Student Debt

Marshalltown Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #13 on the list. Marshalltown Community College is a small public school situated in Marshalltown, Iowa. It awarded 435 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,245 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Marshalltown Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,535 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

Full Marshalltown Community College Report

461 Total Awards
$34,739 Average Earnings
$11,972 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #14 on the list. SWCC is located in Creston, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 461 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from SWCC accumulate an average of $11,972 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from SWCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,739 during the early years of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southwestern Community College

#15

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
919 Total Awards
$52,483 Average Earnings
$21,278 Avg Student Debt

Waldorf University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #15 on the list. Located in Forest City, Iowa, the small private for-profit school awarded 919 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,278 in student loans.After graduating from Waldorf, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,483 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 38% were women.

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#15

Aveda Institute - Des Moines

West Des Moines, Iowa
128 Total Awards
$22,970 Average Earnings
$10,013 Avg Student Debt

Aveda Institute - Des Moines landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in West Des Moines, Iowa, the very small private for-profit school handed out 128 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,013 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $109 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Aveda Institute - Des Moines graduates make an average of $22,970 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

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#17

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
8,469 Total Awards
$48,142 Average Earnings
$24,658 Avg Student Debt

Iowa State University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Iowa State University is a large public school located in Ames, Iowa that handed out 8,469 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Iowa State accumulate an average of $24,658 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 $315 if they 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. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read full report on Iowa State University

#18

Hamilton Technical College

Davenport, Iowa
76 Total Awards
$32,146 Average Earnings
$8,701 Avg Student Debt

Hamilton Technical College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa list. Davenport, Iowa is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 76 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,701 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Hamilton Technical College graduates make an average of $32,146 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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#19

PCI Academy-Ames

Ames, Iowa
85 Total Awards
$24,853 Average Earnings
$7,088 Avg Student Debt

PCI Academy-Ames came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Ames, Iowa, the very small private for-profit school awarded 85 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,088 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $102.After graduating from PCI Academy-Ames, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $24,853 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

Full PCI Academy-Ames Report

#20

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, Iowa
404 Total Awards
$47,534 Average Earnings
$20,070 Avg Student Debt

Mercy College of Health Sciences did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #20 on the list. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and it awarded 404 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,070 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $411 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates make an average of $47,534 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Mercy College of Health Sciences Report

#21

Capri College, Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa
88 Total Awards
$19,367 Average Earnings
$7,771 Avg Student Debt

Capri College, Dubuque ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Iowa list. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, the very small private for-profit school handed out 88 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Capri College, Dubuque accumulate an average of $7,771 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $74, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Capri College, Dubuque graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $19,367 during the early year of their career. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Capri College, Dubuque

#21

Capri College, Davenport

Davenport, Iowa
101 Total Awards
$20,169 Average Earnings
$8,927 Avg Student Debt

Capri College, Davenport did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #21 on the list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Davenport, Iowa, and it awarded 101 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,927 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Capri College, Davenport graduates make an average of $20,169 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

Read full report on Capri College, Davenport

#23

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
2,755 Total Awards
$40,810 Average Earnings
$21,863 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Iowa did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #23 on the list. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,755 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UNI accumulate an average of $21,863 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $221. During the early years of their career, UNI graduates make an average of $40,810 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Northern Iowa

#24

Capri College, Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
86 Total Awards
$21,605 Average Earnings
$7,540 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Capri College, Cedar Rapids did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 86 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,540 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $64. Once they receive their degree, Capri College, Cedar Rapids graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $21,605 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

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#25

Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa
67 Total Awards
$19,852 Average Earnings
$8,667 Avg Student Debt

Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the very small private for-profit school handed out 67 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,667 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from ISB, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $19,852 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

Full Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines Report

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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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