About Iowa Western Community College
Students pay an average net price of $11,574 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just over $10,000. Graduates earn a median of $42,793 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt of $11,033. Monthly loan payments average just $117, making this an affordable path to middle-class earnings. The 95.7% employment rate shows strong job placement success.
The student body splits 56% women and 44% men, with 57% coming from Iowa. Nearly 40% of students are from minority backgrounds, creating more diversity than typical rural community colleges. Only 26% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many come from working families who don't qualify for need-based assistance but still value the college's practical, career-focused approach.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,793
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,822 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,883 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,132 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,416 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,719 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Associate | $27,295 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,536 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Athletics dominate campus culture with 22 varsity sports and 754 student-athletes competing under the Reivers nickname. Nearly a quarter of the entire student body participates in NJCAA sports, creating an intensely athletic atmosphere. Weekend activities often revolve around games and team events. Students frequently cross into Omaha for dining, shopping, and entertainment options that a smaller Iowa city can't provide. The 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio keeps classes intimate despite the community college setting. With 56.5% of students coming from Iowa, there's a strong local feel, though the proximity to Nebraska draws students from across state lines. Career-focused programs prepare students for immediate workforce entry, reflected in the school's 95.7% employment rate.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,191 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
79 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 21 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–33°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 27.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.2%
- Women
- 55.8%
- White
- 59.5%
- Black
- 14.6%
- Hispanic
- 12.0%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 56.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.9%
Location
- Address
- Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503-1057
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,793
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,011
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,033
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Iowa Western Community College?
Iowa Western maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 3,029 students and focuses on providing accessible education and career training in western Iowa. Students can enroll in programs ranging from traditional academics to specialized technical training.
How much does Iowa Western Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,574 annually, with costs varying by family income from $10,053 for lowest-income families to $14,113 for highest earners. In-state tuition runs $6,780 while out-of-state students pay just $6,930, making it affordable for regional students. Only 25.91% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low sticker price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Iowa Western Community College?
Classes average 19 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. The college emphasizes hands-on career training and practical skills development across its programs. Students benefit from direct interaction with faculty who often bring real-world industry experience to the classroom.
What are the job prospects for Iowa Western Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation and regional job market connections. Alumni earn a median of $42,793 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of just $117. The college's focus on practical skills training aligns well with employer needs in the Council Bluffs area.
Where do students live at Iowa Western Community College?
Campus housing accommodates 1,191 students at $8,750 annually for room and board. The suburban Council Bluffs location provides a college town atmosphere while remaining close to Omaha's urban opportunities. About 56.51% of students come from Iowa, creating a mix of local commuters and residential students.
How strong are athletics at Iowa Western Community College?
The Reivers compete in 22 NJCAA varsity sports with 754 total athletes, making athletics a major campus presence. The college awards $2,619,226 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs. Iowa Western has built a reputation as a athletic powerhouse among community colleges, particularly in football and other team sports.
