About Kirkwood Community College
Students pay an average net price of $9,388 after financial aid, making Kirkwood accessible for working-class families. Low-income students pay just $6,322 annually, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $13,234. Graduates typically earn $41,016 ten years after enrollment, creating a reasonable return on investment. Students who borrow money graduate with a median debt of $12,000, leading to monthly loan payments of just $127.
The employment rate of 95.6% reflects Kirkwood's strong connections to local employers and practical career training. Women make up 58.09% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The student body is 65.43% white and 14.68% Black, with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for hands-on learning in technical programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,016
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,054 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,041 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $44,356 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,319 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $42,123 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,342 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,369 |
Campus Life
As a community college, Kirkwood doesn't offer on-campus housing, so all 7,438 students commute from the surrounding area. With 95.21% of students coming from Iowa, most live locally and work part-time jobs while attending classes. The Eagles compete in 6 NCCAA sports with 118 total athletes, though athletics play a smaller role than at four-year schools. Students often spend weekends working, studying, or enjoying Cedar Rapids' restaurants and parks along the Cedar River. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than at large universities. Many students balance family responsibilities with their studies, as community colleges traditionally serve working adults and career-changers alongside recent high school graduates.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–27°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.9%
- Women
- 58.1%
- White
- 65.4%
- Black
- 14.7%
- Hispanic
- 7.6%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 95.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.6%
Location
- Address
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2068
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,016
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,921
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Kirkwood Community College?
Kirkwood operates with an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college enrolls 7,438 students and serves as a regional workforce development center for eastern Iowa. About 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a local access point for higher education.
How much does Kirkwood Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $9,388 annually, making it one of the more affordable options in Iowa. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,322 after aid. Only 24% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families seeking cost-effective career training.
What programs is Kirkwood Community College known for?
Kirkwood operates on a semester system with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on learning in career-focused programs. The college emphasizes practical workforce preparation rather than traditional academic disciplines. Students typically complete associate degrees or certificates designed for immediate employment in regional industries.
What career outcomes do Kirkwood Community College graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median of $41,016 ten years after entering, with an impressive 95.6% employment rate. The typical student graduates with $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127. These outcomes reflect the college's focus on preparing students for stable, middle-income careers in the Cedar Rapids region.
Where is Kirkwood Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city, providing students access to internships and jobs at major employers like Rockwell Collins and Cargill. With 58% women and 42% men, the student body reflects typical community college demographics. The Eagles compete in six NCCAA sports with 118 total athletes receiving $485,264 in athletic scholarships.
Does Kirkwood Community College offer good value for working adults?
The 40.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or raising families. Recent graduates earn $39,018 in their first year out, quickly moving toward the $41,016 ten-year median. The college's flexible scheduling and regional employer connections make it particularly valuable for career changers and adult learners.
