About Marshalltown Community College
Marshalltown Community College serves 868 students in a tight-knit Iowa town where agriculture meets industry. The school has built its reputation around career-focused programs that feed directly into the local workforce. With nearly 30% of students identifying as Hispanic, this community college reflects the changing demographics of rural Iowa. The Tigers compete in seven NAIA sports with 114 total athletes.
Students pay an average net price of $7,144 after financial aid, though low-income families pay just $5,712. Graduates earn a median of $41,010 ten years after starting college, making this a solid return on investment. Monthly loan payments average just $101, and median debt sits at $9,500. The employment rate hits 95.4%, suggesting strong connections between programs and local job opportunities.
The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Only 21% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a mix of working adults and recent high school graduates. With housing for just 156 students on a campus serving nearly 900, most Tigers commute from the surrounding area. The school operates on a semester system and draws 86% of its students from within Iowa.
Students pay an average net price of $7,144 after financial aid, though low-income families pay just $5,712. Graduates earn a median of $41,010 ten years after starting college, making this a solid return on investment. Monthly loan payments average just $101, and median debt sits at $9,500. The employment rate hits 95.4%, suggesting strong connections between programs and local job opportunities.
The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Only 21% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a mix of working adults and recent high school graduates. With housing for just 156 students on a campus serving nearly 900, most Tigers commute from the surrounding area. The school operates on a semester system and draws 86% of its students from within Iowa.
Academics & Faculty
Marshalltown Community College offers practical career preparation with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio that provides decent personal attention for a community college. The school serves a diverse student body with 29.72% Hispanic enrollment, reflecting Iowa's changing demographics. Students can choose from traditional transfer programs and workforce development tracks that prepare graduates for immediate employment. The 37.40% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or take breaks for work. Graduates earn a median of $41,010 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the value of the school's career-focused programs. The college emphasizes affordable education with strong connections to local employers in central Iowa.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,010
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,478 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,669 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,904 |
Campus Life
Marshalltown sits an hour northeast of Des Moines, giving students access to internships and job opportunities in Iowa's capital. The town of 27,000 revolves around manufacturing and agriculture, creating a close-knit community where students often work part-time at local businesses. With only 156 housing spots for 868 students, just 18% live on campus in the residence halls.
Most Tigers commute from surrounding towns, creating a parking crunch during peak class hours. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, especially in the smaller technical programs that feed into local industries. Winters require heavy coats and snow boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The 114 student-athletes across seven sports provide weekend entertainment, with basketball games drawing the biggest crowds. Students often head to Des Moines for concerts and nightlife, while others find weekend jobs to help with expenses. The 95.4% employment rate reflects strong local connections that help graduates land jobs immediately after completing their programs.
Most Tigers commute from surrounding towns, creating a parking crunch during peak class hours. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, especially in the smaller technical programs that feed into local industries. Winters require heavy coats and snow boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The 114 student-athletes across seven sports provide weekend entertainment, with basketball games drawing the biggest crowds. Students often head to Des Moines for concerts and nightlife, while others find weekend jobs to help with expenses. The 95.4% employment rate reflects strong local connections that help graduates land jobs immediately after completing their programs.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 156 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1927
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–27°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 71.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -752.3"
Student Demographics
The student body of 868 reflects Marshalltown's role as a regional workforce pipeline for central Iowa. Nearly 86% come from in-state, showing the college's strong ties to local communities and employers. The campus serves a diverse population with significant Hispanic enrollment at nearly 30%, mirroring Iowa's changing demographics. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and service programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families seeking career training and transfer opportunities.
- Men
- 44.8%
- Women
- 55.2%
- White
- 46.9%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 29.7%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 85.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.1%
Location
Marshalltown Community College sits in central Iowa, about 50 miles northeast of Des Moines. The town of 28,000 people serves as a regional center for surrounding farming communities. Marshalltown has a strong manufacturing base, with companies like Fisher Controls and Lennox International providing internship opportunities for students. The campus draws 85.81% of its 868 students from Iowa. The college's location offers small-town affordability with reasonable access to Iowa's capital city for jobs and entertainment. The surrounding prairie landscape and agricultural economy shape much of the local culture and career opportunities available to graduates. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Marshalltown Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Marshalltown, Iowa 50158
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,010
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,642
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Marshalltown Community College?
Marshalltown Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges. The school enrolls 868 students and welcomes anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent to pursue their educational goals.
How much does Marshalltown Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $7,144 per year for students receiving aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,712 on average, making this Iowa institution particularly affordable for low-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Marshalltown Community College?
The student-faculty ratio is 20:1, which is typical for community colleges. This allows for reasonable class sizes while maintaining the practical, career-focused education that community colleges are known for.
What are the employment outcomes for Marshalltown Community College graduates?
Graduates have a strong 95.4% employment rate, reflecting the school's emphasis on workforce development. The median earnings are $41,010 ten years after graduation, which is solid for a two-year degree program.
Does Marshalltown Community College offer on-campus housing?
Yes, the college provides housing for 156 students at $7,750 per year for room and board. This residential option is unusual for community colleges and helps create a more traditional college experience in Marshalltown.
What athletic programs does Marshalltown Community College offer?
The Tigers compete in NAIA athletics with 7 varsity sports and 114 total athletes. The school provides $195,500 in athletic scholarships, giving student-athletes opportunities to continue their sports careers while earning their degree.
