About Iowa Lakes Community College
The financial picture looks promising for students willing to commit to completion. Average net price sits at $10,846 annually, while graduates earn a median of $43,108 ten years after enrollment. Students typically graduate with just $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127. The employment rate reaches an impressive 98.1%, suggesting strong job placement for those who finish their programs. However, the 26% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students struggle to complete their studies.
Athletics play a meaningful role on campus, with 227 student-athletes competing in 15 varsity sports as the Lakers. The school awards $476,232 in athletic scholarships across its programs. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and housing for 507 students, Iowa Lakes offers a small-town college experience focused on practical skills and career readiness rather than traditional four-year academics.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,108
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,869 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $24,035 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit atmosphere where professors know students by name. Lakers compete in 15 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 227 student-athletes representing nearly a quarter of the student body. The agricultural and wind energy programs reflect the surrounding rural economy, where cornfields stretch to the horizon. Students often gather in residence halls or the campus center during Iowa's long winters. With 71% of students coming from in-state, many drive home on weekends, though campus activities and athletics keep others engaged. The remote location means fewer distractions but also fewer off-campus options beyond the occasional trip to larger towns for shopping or entertainment.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 507 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–24°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 53.4%
- Women
- 46.6%
- White
- 75.2%
- Black
- 4.1%
- Hispanic
- 7.9%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 71.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.4%
Location
- Address
- Estherville, Iowa 51334-2295
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,108
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,691
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Iowa Lakes Community College?
Iowa Lakes Community College has open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with high school diplomas or GEDs. The school serves 995 students with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, making it accessible for students seeking career training or transfer preparation in rural Iowa.
How much does Iowa Lakes Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,846 annually, with lower-income families paying around $8,943. Only 20.40% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with just $12,000 in debt, making it an affordable option for career training.
What programs is Iowa Lakes Community College known for?
The college specializes in agriculture, wind energy technology, and career training programs that serve rural Iowa's economy. With 15 varsity sports teams and 227 total athletes, the school also maintains a strong athletic tradition as the Lakers in NCCAA competition.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Iowa Lakes Community College?
Graduates achieve a 98.1% employment rate with median earnings of $43,108 ten years after enrollment. However, only 25.80% complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education.
Where is Iowa Lakes Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Estherville, Iowa, a remote town setting that houses 507 students on campus. With 71.08% of students coming from in-state and a predominantly white student body at 75.18%, it serves as a regional center for rural Iowa students.
How strong is the wind energy program at Iowa Lakes Community College?
The college has built a reputation for wind energy technology training, preparing students for Iowa's growing renewable energy sector. This specialized program aligns with the state's leadership in wind power generation and offers graduates access to well-paying technical careers with the $43,691 median five-year earnings.
