Community Organization and Advocacy at Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 10,406 in Ankeny, IA.

Program Analysis

Des Moines Area Community College's Community Organization and Advocacy program produces graduates earning $26,312/yr — within striking distance of the $30,536 national average for this trade.

With a 34.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Community Organization and Advocacy carry above-average AI exposure (36% of tasks). The 31% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $20,503 against $26,312/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Community Organization and Advocacy is offered at just 5 schools in our analysis. Des Moines Area Community College's #3 ranking should be read in that context.

A 41% earnings increase from $26,312 to $36,993 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
41
Score
43
High End
Earnings $26,312/yr (-14% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (64% shielded)
Job Market Large (45,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$398K
8.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,100
Out-of-state: $22,200
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,503
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,993
41% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Community Organization and Advocacy graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Social and community service managers $78,240 +6.4% 61%
Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940 +4.6% 100%
Eligibility interviewers, government programs $51,500 +1.0% 32%
Social and community service managers
$78,240
+6.4% growth 61% AI-proof
Community and social service specialists, all other
$54,940
+4.6% growth 100% AI-proof
Eligibility interviewers, government programs
$51,500
+1.0% growth 32% AI-proof

About Community Organization and Advocacy Careers

Your career often begins on the front lines, helping people navigate complex systems. You might work as an eligibility interviewer in a government or nonprofit office, using databases and official forms to connect families with critical resources like housing aid or food assistance. With experience, you can advance into a community specialist role or become a social and community service manager. Here, your focus shifts from direct client work to leadership: you’ll manage budgets in spreadsheets, write grant proposals to secure funding, and supervise a team of advocates.

Read the full Community Organization and Advocacy career guide →

Compare & Explore

Community Organization and Advocacy Overview

Community Organization and Advocacy at Other Schools

Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Community Organization and Advocacy at Des Moines Area Community College?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Community Organization and Advocacy. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I worry about AI if I study Community Organization and Advocacy?
The 36% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →