About Indian Hills Community College
The financial picture looks promising for students willing to stay close to home. In-state tuition runs just $4,872, and the average student pays $7,492 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $40,507 ten years later, making the typical debt load of $10,500 quite manageable with monthly payments around $111. This represents solid value for students seeking practical skills without crushing debt.
The school's 40.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students work while attending or transfer before completing degrees here. However, the 95.4% employment rate tells a more encouraging story about job market success. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in a setting where professors know students by name, not student ID number.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,507
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $54,035 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,667 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $47,513 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,663 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,848 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,060 |
Campus Life
The Warriors compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 345 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. Students gather at games and campus events, though many also head home on weekends since most live within driving distance. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. Small-town Ottumwa offers basic amenities but limited nightlife, so students create their own entertainment through intramural sports, residence hall activities, and trips to nearby lakes for fishing or camping.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 670 beds
- Calendar System
- Other
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–31°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 76.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.3%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 66.7%
- Black
- 8.3%
- Hispanic
- 9.7%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 96.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.3%
Location
- Address
- Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,507
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,826
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Indian Hills Community College?
Indian Hills Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college enrolls 1,635 students with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. Most students are Iowa residents, with 96.32% coming from in-state.
How much does Indian Hills Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,492 annually, with in-state tuition at $4,872 and out-of-state at $6,120. Low-income students with family earnings under $30,000 pay just $6,481 net price. The college keeps costs manageable with a median debt load of only $10,500 and monthly loan payments averaging $111.
What academic programs is Indian Hills Community College known for?
Indian Hills focuses on career and technical education programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. With a 95.4% employment rate, the college excels at connecting graduates to jobs in trades, healthcare, and business fields. The 40.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's mix of transfer and career program students.
What do graduates of Indian Hills Community College typically earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $40,507 ten years after enrollment, with strong early career earnings of $39,862 just one year out. The college's emphasis on practical skills training helps explain why 95.4% of graduates find employment. These earnings reflect the value of career-focused programs in Iowa's job market.
Where is Indian Hills Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Ottumwa, Iowa, a small town in a remote setting that creates a close-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity serves 670 students, representing about 41% of the total enrollment of 1,635. The Warriors compete in 13 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 345 total athletes.
How strong is the athletic program at Indian Hills Community College?
The Warriors field 13 varsity sports with 345 total athletes, making athletics a significant part of campus life for about 21% of students. The college awards $1,866,161 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating a substantial commitment to recruiting talented student-athletes. This investment in athletics helps build school spirit and provides opportunities for students to continue their sports careers while earning a degree.
