Ellsworth Community College: $5,304 Tuition

$5,304Tuition

540Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,562Earnings

#15 in IowaPublic2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ellsworth Community College

Ellsworth Community College serves 540 students in the small town of Iowa Falls, where the Panthers have been preparing students for four-year transfers and career fields since 1890. The college focuses on providing affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees and workforce training in a close-knit rural setting. Students work directly with faculty in a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio that makes personal attention the norm rather than the exception.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about affordability. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,176 after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30,000-$48,000) pay even less at $8,601. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $10,000 and monthly loan payments of $106. Within five years, alumni earn a median salary of $46,385, making the investment highly manageable for most students.

Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 258 student-athletes competing across eight NJCAA sports programs. The college awards $579,479 in athletic scholarships, helping nearly half the student body participate in competitive sports. With 94.2% of graduates finding employment and a diverse student body that's 46% out-of-state, Ellsworth attracts students seeking both opportunity and community in rural Iowa.

Academics & Faculty

Ellsworth Community College serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in small classes. However, the 42.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college offers traditional transfer programs in liberal arts and sciences alongside career-focused training in areas like agriculture, business, and health sciences. With 540 students on campus, everyone knows each other by name. The school emphasizes practical skills and workforce development that align with rural Iowa's economic needs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,562

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,273
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,892

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at Ellsworth revolves around a close-knit community where 76% of the 540 students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 411 students. Iowa Falls sits about 90 minutes from Des Moines, giving students access to big-city amenities while enjoying small-town charm. Winters require heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while spring and fall bring pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities.

The Panthers compete in 8 NJCAA sports with 258 total athletes receiving $579,479 in athletic scholarships, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and classes feel more like study groups. Weekends often center around Panther games, trips to nearby Clear Lake for fishing and boating, or exploring the scenic Iowa River that runs through town. The gender split of 52% men to 48% women creates a balanced social environment. Students frequently gather in the residence halls or student center, building friendships that extend well beyond their two years here.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 411 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1890

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	1	1	0	0
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–26°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.7"
Annual Snowfall: 28.0"

Student Demographics

Ellsworth Community College draws students from across Iowa and beyond, with 54% coming from in-state. The school serves a working-class population, as over one-third receive Pell Grants for low-income families. The nearly even gender split reflects the college's balanced mix of transfer programs and career training options. Students arrive seeking affordable education in a small-town setting, with many planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees. The diverse student body includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities in this rural Iowa location.

Men: 51.7%
Women: 48.3%
White: 62.2%
Black: 15.9%
Hispanic: 8.5%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 54.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.1%

Location

Iowa Falls sits in north-central Iowa, about 90 miles northeast of Des Moines and 60 miles southwest of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. This town of roughly 5,000 residents offers a classic small-town Midwest experience in the heart of agricultural country. With 540 students, Ellsworth Community College makes up a significant portion of the local population. The campus housing capacity of 411 means most students live on campus in this tight-knit rural community. Rolling farmland and corn fields stretch in every direction from this quintessential Iowa town. The remote setting provides few distractions from academics and campus life. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Ellsworth Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,562
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,385
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Ellsworth Community College?

Ellsworth Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with varying academic backgrounds. The college serves 540 students in Iowa Falls, focusing on providing accessible higher education opportunities. As a two-year institution founded in 1890, it emphasizes both transfer preparation and career training programs.

How much does Ellsworth Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,915 annually, with significant variation based on family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,176 on average, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $8,601. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $5,304 and typical student debt of only $10,000.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ellsworth Community College?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. With 540 total students, the campus offers an intimate learning environment in small-town Iowa. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on both transfer pathways and workforce development programs.

What are the job prospects for Ellsworth Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.2% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce. Alumni earn a median of $40,562 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of just $106. However, the 42.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing their programs.

Where do students live at Ellsworth Community College?

The college houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 411, serving most of the 540-student body. Room and board costs $9,000 annually, contributing to a total attendance cost of $15,604. The campus sits in Iowa Falls, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Does Ellsworth Community College have strong athletics programs?

The Panthers compete in 8 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 258 total student-athletes participating. The college awards $579,479 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs. Nearly half the student body participates in athletics, making it a central part of campus life in this small Iowa community.