The best community colleges in Iowa provide students with high-quality two-year degree programs in a variety of fields, serving as an excellent springboard into higher education. Some community colleges in Iowa offer strong collaborations with public four-year institutions, while others offer affordable tuition rates.
If you are interested in advancing your education or starting a degree program, this guide will provide you with all the information you need on community colleges in Iowa. We’ve included information on the number of schools, degree’s offered on-campus, and the best online community colleges in Iowa for distance learners.
How Many Community Colleges Are in Iowa?
There are 15 locally governed community colleges in Iowa. They are sometimes known as junior colleges that provide affordable undergraduate education as a road to four-year degrees. Community colleges are important in providing vocational and technical training to students looking to join the workforce or transfer for higher education after graduation.
How Many Community College Districts Are in Iowa?
There are 15 community college districts in Iowa. The largest community college districts in Iowa are the Des Moines Independent Community School District, Cedar Rapids Community School District, and Sioux City Community School District.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Iowa?
The largest community college in Iowa is Des Moines Community College with 23,474 students enrolled. Des Moines Community College has been the biggest community college since 1966 with nearly 500 faculty and staff, over 220 programs of study taught through six campuses, and six learning centers.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Iowa?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest Iowa Community College | 62% | 13:1 |
| 2 | North Iowa Area Community College | 55% | 22:1 |
| 3 | Iowa Lakes Community College | 50% | 15:1 |
| 4 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | 38% | 16:1 |
| 5 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | 40% | 25:1 |
| 6 | Indian Hills Community College | 41% | 14:1 |
| 7 | Marshalltown Community College | 39% | 17:1 |
| 8 | Southeastern Community College | 35% | 15:1 |
| 9 | Des Moines Area Community College | 32% | 20:1 |
| 10 | Hawkeye Community College | 28% | 17:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Iowa: Explained
Some of the best community colleges in Iowa are Northwest Iowa Community College, North Iowa Area Community College, and Iowa Lakes Community College. The Community College of Northwest Iowa is a great option with low tuition rates, a high graduation rate, and a good student-to-faculty ratio.
Best Online Community Colleges in Iowa
- Marshalltown Community College. This community college provides an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts transfer degree. The Blackboard online learning system is used to teach entirely online with coursework supplied asynchronously. MCC also provides Associate Degrees in Communications, Accounting, Psychology, and Sociology.
- Hawkeye Community College. Hawkeye offers two online degrees, one in liberal arts and another in business administration. Students in liberal arts can take courses in psychology and sociology, while students in business administration can learn about economics, statistics, and accounting. Both are transfer degrees to many of Iowa’s four-year public and private universities.
- Northwest Iowa Community College. This community college has six online degrees in health information technology, agriculture, power line technology, and business management. It offers online diploma programs in medical coding, business, web, and graphic design.
Best Online Associate Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Other Iowa Community College Rankings
There are many Iowa community colleges that offer transferable degree programs with partner programs with universities. Some of the best are Eastern Iowa Community College District, Northwest Iowa Community College, and Des Moines Area Community College.
Best Community Colleges in Iowa for Transfer
- Eastern Iowa Community College District. This college has many transfer opportunity agreements with 22 colleges in Iowa and the surrounding states. It has three campuses and offers hybrid learning classes, in-person classes, and online classes, making it one of the best options for community colleges with transfer degrees.
- Northwest Iowa Community College. For students wishing to pursue further academic studies, NCC is a great option. It offers transfer majors and pre-professional programs. The college includes pre-professional programs in early childhood development, accounting and environmental science, and transfer majors in psychology and criminal justice.
- Des Moines Area Community College. Des Moines College offers the lowest tuition rates and programs that let you complete a bachelor’s degree at DMACC. DMACC has partner programs with many schools where students can continue their education.
Best Community Colleges for Trade, Transportation, and Utilities in Iowa
- Iowa Western Community College. This is a good community college option for people interested in transport and unities. The Iowa Western Community College offers certificate programs in HVAC maintenance, welding, construction technology, and carpentry. It also has continuing education options in plumbing water and wastewater.
- Northeast Iowa Community College. Northeast Iowa Community College has plenty of programs in energy and utilities that offer diploma’s in heating and air conditioning and industrial electrician. It also has good programs in trades, where students can earn certificates in construction equipment operation, welding, and computer numerical control (CNC) operation.
- Hawkeye Community College. Hawkeye Community College is another good option for a community college as it provides a wide range of technical and industrial training for organizations. Students can learn about welding, plumbing, HVAC, and safety.
Best Iowa Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
Community colleges in Iowa don’t offer bachelor’s degree programs to students, but rather transfer credits to continue education at a university level. Below are three Iowa universities that offer outstanding programs at an affordable cost.
- Drake University. At Drake University, students can benefit from majors, minors, and concentration tracks in the majority of its undergraduate programs. Some of its most popular bachelor’s programs include environmental science, sustainability and resilience, and sociology.
- Iowa State University. Iowa State University offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in various fields of study. Some bachelor’s programs include chemistry, accounting, agricultural engineering, computer science, philosophy,
- The University of Iowa. Students who attend University of Iowa can benefit from over 200 areas of study with bachelor’s programs being offered on-campus and online. Academic areas include engineering and computing, health sciences, and education.
Best Associate Degrees
[query_class_embed] *subject-associate-degrees
Best Community College Programs in Iowa
The best community college programs in Iowa are in the fields of education, health services, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and utilities. Some of the best programs offered are in nursing, welding, agriculture, gunsmith technology, and automotive technology.
Nursing
With this program, students learn about nurse aid training and gain skills and knowledge to work in the health sector. Prospective students will acquire training in microbiology, biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and developmental psychology. Graduates of this program can attain an associate degree or a certificate.
Welding
This program offers certificate degrees recognized by the American Welding Society. Students in this course will learn about blueprint reading, robotic welding, and metal cutting and fabrication. After graduation, students with this diploma will be able to work as welders in the industrial sector.
Agriculture
As agriculture is a large working sector in Iowa, students who complete a program in this field can work in various areas such as agronomy, farm management, and animal science. The Associate of Science degree is offered with specialization options in farm management, business and sales, and animal science.
Gunsmith Technology
The whole purpose of the gunsmith technology program is to teach students to use specialized hand tools and machines to produce, repair, maintain, and change firearms. Typically, it is an Associate of Applied Science degree that takes two years to complete. The program prepares students for employment as technicians in the weapons manufacturing and distribution industry.
Automotive Technology
Automotive technology programs prepare students to deal with customers and repair automobiles. This kind of program offers diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. It is a hands-on program where students can learn practical skills for engine repair, suspension, steering, and automotive electrical and electronics systems.
Iowa Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a community college in Iowa are minimal with an open admission policy. Iowa community colleges have few admission requirements and will admit applicants with few prerequisites.
Typically, all that is required is a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Some community colleges may require assessment scores or official test scores such as the ACT or SAT. When looking at the best community colleges in Iowa, make sure to check the admission requirements.
Iowa Community College GPA Requirements
As mentioned in the previous section, community colleges in Iowa have an open admissions policy. Our list of the best community colleges in Iowa shows that most of them do not need a minimum GPA to enroll, but requirements may change depending on the specific district.
For example, Indian Hills Community College requires a 2.0 to 3.0 minimum GPA for most of the programs offered. Hawkeye Community College, on the other hand, requires students with a GPA of 2.0 or lower to take a placement test to apply to their programs.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Iowa
The residency requirement for community colleges in Iowa is to reside in the state for at least 90 days before the first day of classes. You must provide proof of your in-state status. Please keep in mind that a student cannot be a resident of more than one state at the same time.
If you live in another state and come to Iowa to attend school, you are a resident of the state you come from rather than an Iowa resident. The biggest difference between in state and out-of-state residences is the tuition and fees.
In-state residents have lower tuition and fees than non-residents and out-of-state students. For example, Des Moines Area Community College offers tuition of $178 per credit hour to residents in the district and $356 per credit hour to non-resident students.
Iowa Community College Age Requirements
You need to be at least 16 years of age to apply to a community college in Iowa. Students enrolled under the legal age of 18 are considered minors and need proof of parents’ residency. Students above the age of 18 must submit their proof of residency, rather than that of their parents.
Iowa Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- Application for admission
- Application fee
- School transcript
- Assessment scores
- 16 years of age
Why Study in Iowa?
You should study in Iowa because it has a low unemployment rate and cost of living Iowa offers good career advancement opportunities, a large concentration of large companies, and relatively low tuition and community college fees. It is highly attractive for recent graduates.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Iowa is low compared to many other states. Iowa has many great cities for students of all ages and is a fantastic spot for young professionals to get an education and start careers.
Lower Unemployment Rate
According to US News, Des Moines is the 14th best place to live in America. It has a steady economy with low unemployment under the US average, making it a good destination to find job prospects after graduation.
Natural Environment
Iowa is full of natural vegetation with thick woodland areas and protected river valleys. According to US News & World Report, Iowa ranks among the best states for the natural environment and has relatively clean air and water quality.
Iowa Employment Outlook for Community College Students
The largest employment sectors in Iowa are trade, transportation, utilities, manufacturing and education, and health care. This means that Iowa has the largest number of people employed in auto service, billing, construction, welding, and medical services.
5 In-Demand Iowa Jobs
The five most in-demand Iowa jobs that can be acquired with an associate degree are registered welders, nurses, automotive service technicians, gunsmiths, and farm workers. These are positions that are integral to the economy and offer good job growth in the upcoming years.
What Community Colleges in Iowa Have Dorms?
Most community colleges have residence halls that offer dormitories to students. Some colleges include Northwest Iowa Community College, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Ellsworth Community College, and Southwestern Community College.
Living in a dormitory can be convenient in college because it will provide you with the opportunity to make friends and enrich your college experience. While having the chance to socialize and create peer groups is good, dormitories are often expensive and can be costly in addition to your tuition and fees.
Iowa Community Colleges With Dorms
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- Southeastern Community College
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Iowa?
Some of the best Iowa community colleges with winter intersessions are the Eastern Iowa Community College, Kirkwood Community College, and Southeastern Community College. Some of the benefits of winter intercession are faster graduation and flexible enrollment options.
A winter intersession is a condensed session that takes place between the Fall and Spring semesters and offers academic credit courses. During intersessions, students can earn college credits in an expedited fashion.
Iowa Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Eastern Iowa Community College
- Southeastern Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College
What Community Colleges in Iowa Have Summer Classes?
Many community colleges in Iowa offer summer classes. Some of the best are Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, and Mason City. Summer programs are an excellent opportunity to get ahead in your degree program. These programs assist students in making up for missed credits or improving their GPA scores.
Iowa Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
- Kirkwood Community College
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College
How to Apply to Community College in Iowa
You can apply to community college in Iowa by submitting an online application, submitting SAT or ACT scores, and submitting high school transcripts. There are additional steps when applying for financial aid or scholarships.
Iowa Community College Application Steps
- Application for admission
- Submit standardized test scores (if applicable)
- Submit official high school transcripts
- Apply for financial aid (optional)
- Apply for scholarships (optional)
Cost of Community Colleges in Iowa
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the cost of community colleges in Iowa is, on average, $5,306 for in-state tuition and $6,664 for out-of-state tuition. This would be a total of $10,612 for in-state students and $13,328 for out-of-state students when completing a two-year associate degree program.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Iowa?
Yes, there are community colleges that are free in Iowa. Free tuition is offered in Iowa through the Last-Dollar Scholarship which is a special program that covers dozens of high-demand career programs across the state. This scholarship is meant for postsecondary certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in Iowa?
Many community colleges in Iowa are free, such as Western Iowa Tech Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College, Northeast Iowa Community College, and Kirkwood Community College. All of them offer the same Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Iowa?
To qualify for the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship program, you must be an Iowa resident. You also need to be a recent high school graduate enrolled in a full-time program or part-time while employed in an approved work-study learning program.
How to Apply for Free Community College in Iowa
- Submit your FAFSA form
- Choose a tuition-free degree program
- Wait for a reply from a Last-Dollar Scholarship once eligibility is confirmed and registration for classes is complete.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Iowa
There are different kinds of scholarships for community colleges in Iowa. Most community colleges in Iowa offer military spouses and dependents scholarships, Iowa resident grants, and all qualifying students federal student aid. In most cases, they all have a similar enrollment process.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Iowa
- Earn a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Apply for admission to a community college
- Complete a scholarship application
- Provide a copy of your official high school transcript
- Wait for a reply
Iowa Community College Scholarships List
- Des Moines Family Assistance Scholarship | Amount: $2,500-$5,000. This scholarship requires students with a GPA of 2.0 and be enrolled full-time. It is meant for unmarried students with dependents who live in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Hawkeye Community College GEAR UP Iowa Scholarship | Amount: $2,600. This scholarship can be used to cover college room and board, tuition and fees, books and supplies, and other living costs. To receive the scholarship you must be under the age of 22, enroll for at least three semester hours, and have completed secondary education.
- Iowa Western Presidential Scholarship | Amount: $2,500. This scholarship will pay up to $2,500 per semester and is a two-year conditional award worth $10,000. It is meant for freshmen entering college with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Other Iowa Community College Financial Aid Options
There are other Iowa community college financial aid options like state grants, federal funding, student loans, and work-study programs. With these aid options, students can use them to pay for educational expenditures and make college more affordable.
Federal Grants
Federal funding is one of the main sources of revenue for Iowa’s community colleges. For example, the Federal Direct Loan Program from Northwest Iowa Community College provides a maximum annual loan limitation for first-year students of $5,500, and $6,500 for second-year students.
Iowa Grants
The Kibbie Grant is a state funding program that is available to Iowa residents enrolling in specific vocational or technical education programs. For up to two years of school, one-half of the average Iowa community college tuition and required fees are paid each year.
Student Loans
Some of the most common student loans in Iowa are the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Subsidized loans are based on financial needs while non-subsidized loans are not based on financial needs.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program helps students with financial needs earn money to help pay for their school expenditures by providing part-time work. This college work-study program has a pay rate of $9.75 per hour. Financial needs as established in the application process when determining student eligibility for work under the program.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
[query_class_embed] financial aid for *school/demographic
What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Iowa?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Iowa require the student to be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen and be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at a college. These are the most general eligibility requirements for financial aid at a community college in Iowa.
Iowa Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Enrolled in a community college in Iowa that leads to a degree or certificate
- Free of debt
- Maintain an acceptable GPA
Should You Attend Community College in Iowa?
Yes, you should attend a community college in Iowa. Each Iowa community college provides extensive and unique undergraduate programs. Community colleges offer many undergraduate options for students and are open to all Iowa residents.
Iowa offers an affordable place to live, good job prospects, and affordable community colleges. Students can also expand their knowledge and expertise through some of the best coding bootcamps while learning at a community college.
Iowa Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Iowa community colleges is based mainly on the graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
[query_class_embed] accelerated-*subject-degrees
Best Iowa Community Colleges FAQ
State funding, federal funding, tuition, and fees are the main sources of revenue for Iowa’s community colleges. The federal government typically gives financial aid to individual students and specialized research programs, whereas state financial funding mostly pays for the regular operations of public institutions.
Iowa is known as the hawkeye state, named after chief Black Hawk, leader of the native American Sauk tribe. It is also known for Otto Rohwedder, the inventor of sliced bread.
Western Iowa Tech Community College, Southeastern Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College, North Iowa Area Community College, and Southwestern Community College have acceptance rates of nearly 100 percent. Most community colleges in Iowa have an open admission policy which reflects the high acceptance rate.
You should move to Iowa because it is one of the more affordable states. It is a convenient option with great colleges, good jobs, and a beautiful landscape.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
