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$5,376Tuition
3,107Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,046Earnings
#13 in IowaPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Community College draws 3,107 students to Fort Dodge, a town where athletics and career training take center stage. The Tritons field an impressive 26 varsity sports with 672 total athletes, making this one of the most athletic community colleges in the country. Students come here for hands-on programs that lead directly to jobs, with strong connections to local industries and employers.

The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students typically pay $9,601 after aid, which is reasonable for the career training they receive. Graduates earn a median of $42,046 ten years out, with relatively manageable debt at $11,000 median. The monthly loan payment averages just $117, making this an affordable path to middle-class earnings. About 31% of students receive Pell grants, and the college keeps costs controlled.

Iowa Central maintains an active campus despite its remote setting. With housing for 1,265 students and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, the college creates a tight-knit community feel. The student body is 53% female and 70% in-state residents. Most importantly, 94% of graduates find employment, reflecting the college's focus on job-ready skills over academic theory.

Academics & Faculty

Iowa Central builds careers through hands-on training programs that connect directly to local employers. The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, giving students access to instructors who often bring real industry experience into the classroom. With a 44% six-year graduation rate, the school focuses on getting students job-ready rather than pushing them through quickly. Iowa Central excels in welding, automotive technology, and healthcare programs that feed into Iowa's manufacturing and medical sectors. The college's career training approach shows in the numbers: 94% of graduates find employment. Students here aren't pursuing abstract academic theories but learning skills that translate immediately into paychecks in Fort Dodge's industrial economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,046

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $49,437
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $48,041
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. Associate $45,383
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $42,682
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $41,565
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $36,521
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $35,274
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $35,213
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $30,228
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $29,685

View all 78 programs →

Campus Life

Fort Dodge sits in north-central Iowa, about two hours from Des Moines and three hours from Minneapolis. You'll need a heavy winter coat here as temperatures drop well below freezing from December through February. About 40% of Iowa Central's 3,107 students live on campus in residence halls that can house 1,265 students total.

The Tritons dominate campus life with 26 varsity sports programs and 672 student athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Athletic scholarships total over $1.4 million annually. Basketball and football games draw solid crowds during Iowa's long winters. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your instructors in career-focused programs like welding, nursing, and automotive technology. Fort Dodge offers basic amenities like restaurants and a movie theater, but many students drive to larger towns on weekends. The semester system keeps things moving quickly through two-year programs. With 70% of students from Iowa, you'll find a friendly Midwestern atmosphere where people know each other's names.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
1,265 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1966

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
7°–26°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
71.8"
Annual Snowfall
35.8"

Student Demographics

Iowa Central draws students from across the Midwest, with 30% coming from outside Iowa attracted by the school's well-known athletics programs. The Tritons field 26 varsity sports and award over $1.4 million in athletic scholarships, creating opportunities for student-athletes who might not land Division I spots. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families seeking affordable career training. The nearly even gender split mirrors the school's dual focus on traditional trades and health sciences programs that appeal to both men and women.
Men
47.2%
Women
52.9%
White
57.6%
Black
12.2%
Hispanic
11.2%
Asian
1.2%
In-State Students
70.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.2%

Location

Fort Dodge sits in north-central Iowa, about 90 miles northwest of Des Moines. The town of 25,000 residents anchors Webster County in a predominantly agricultural region of rolling farmland and small communities. Fort Dodge maintains a historic downtown along the Des Moines River and serves as a regional center for healthcare and manufacturing. The area offers outdoor recreation at nearby Dolliver Memorial State Park and several lakes. About 70% of Iowa Central's students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role serving local and regional populations seeking affordable career training and transfer opportunities. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Iowa Central Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,046
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,939
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,600
Loan Repayment Rate
39.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Iowa Central Community College?

Iowa Central Community College has open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college enrolls 3,107 students and maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in central Iowa.

How much does Iowa Central Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,601 after financial aid at Iowa Central Community College. In-state tuition runs $5,376 while out-of-state students pay $7,668. The school keeps costs manageable with 31.24% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates carrying a median debt of just $11,000.

What academic programs is Iowa Central Community College known for?

Iowa Central Community College focuses heavily on career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. The college boasts a 94% employment rate for graduates who earn a median of $42,046 ten years after enrollment. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.

What career outcomes do Iowa Central Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates from Iowa Central Community College earn a median salary of $42,046 ten years after enrollment with strong job prospects. The college maintains a 94% employment rate and graduates typically have monthly loan payments of just $117. However, only 44% of students complete their programs within six years.

What is campus life like at Iowa Central Community College?

Iowa Central Community College offers on-campus housing for up to 1,265 students with room and board costing $7,580. The campus features a strong athletic culture with 26 varsity sports and 672 total athletes competing as the Tritons. The college awards $1,451,209 in athletic scholarships, making sports a major part of campus identity.

What makes Iowa Central Community College's athletics program unique?

Iowa Central Community College stands out for having 26 varsity sports programs with 672 total athletes, unusually extensive for a community college. The Tritons compete in the NCCAA and receive $1,451,209 in athletic scholarships. This robust athletic program helps attract students from across the region to the Fort Dodge campus.