Allen College
The Vibe Check
Allen College offers an intimate, close-knit learning environment where students are not just faces in a lecture hall. The urban setting in Waterloo provides a focused, professional atmosphere, especially for those pursuing healthcare careers. It feels like a tight professional community where mentorship and hands-on learning are prioritized.
Academics & Majors
Allen College is a premier institution specializing in health professions, offering rigorous programs in nursing, radiography, and more. The curriculum is designed for direct workforce readiness, emphasizing hands-on clinical experience over broad theoretical research. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from instructors who are often active professionals in their fields.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Waterloo
Waterloo offers a mix of urban amenities and Midwestern charm, with students frequenting local parks like Cedar Valley Nature Trail for outdoor activities. The city features a vibrant arts scene at the Waterloo Center for the Arts and various dining options downtown. Students often engage in community events and exploring the city's historical sites during their downtime.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($71,261):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Waterloo is a typical Midwestern city, and like any urban area, students should practice standard safety precautions such as securing belongings and being aware of their surroundings. The campus itself is compact and located within a professional complex, which generally maintains a secure environment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High return on investment with median earnings of $71,261
- ✓ Specialized focus on high-demand health professions
- ✓ Small enrollment ensures personalized attention and mentorship
- ✓ Flat tuition rate simplifies financial planning for all students
Cons
- ✗ Very limited enrollment of only 279 students restricts campus diversity
- ✗ Primarily focused on health professions, lacking broad academic options
- ✗ Urban setting in Waterloo may not appeal to students seeking a traditional college town experience
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Allen College is renowned for its specialized education in health professions. It is particularly known for its nursing and radiography programs, which are designed to provide students with the clinical skills and professional training necessary for immediate employment in the healthcare industry.
Allen College is not highly selective in the traditional sense, with a focused admissions process for its health programs. The primary barrier to entry is meeting specific course prerequisites and demonstrating aptitude for the medical field, rather than competing for a limited number of spots based solely on test scores and GPA. Prospective students should focus on a strong application that highlights their commitment to healthcare.
Campus life at Allen College is intimate and academically focused due to its small size of 279 students. Students often describe a professional environment where social life is intertwined with academic and clinical pursuits. The urban location in Waterloo allows students to engage with the local community, but the on-campus experience is centered around a tight-knit cohort of peers sharing similar career goals.
Yes, Allen College presents a strong financial case. With a tuition of $20,444 and a 10-year median earnings figure of $71,261, the return on investment is significant for a graduate entering the healthcare field. The specialized nature of the degrees ensures high employability, making the cost a worthwhile investment for a stable career.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1925
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 378
- In-State Tuition $20,444
- Zip Code 50703
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at $20,444, Allen College offers a flat rate that is competitive for private institutions, especially in the health sector. The 10-year median earnings of $71,261 suggest a strong return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-demand healthcare roles. The 26.6% Pell Grant rate indicates the college serves a diverse economic demographic, offering financial accessibility.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.