North Iowa Area Community College: $6,436 Tuition

$6,436Tuition

1,271Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,462Earnings

#6 in IowaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About North Iowa Area Community College

North Iowa Area Community College serves 1,271 students in a rural setting outside Mason City. The school has built its reputation on career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. With roots dating back to 1918, NIACC emphasizes hands-on training in trades, healthcare, and business programs that match local workforce needs.

Students typically pay $8,849 after financial aid, making this one of Iowa's more affordable community college options. Graduates earn a median of $43,462 ten years after starting, while carrying just $9,500 in debt. The math works in students' favor here, with monthly loan payments averaging only $101. The school's 97.6% employment rate shows employers value NIACC training.

The Trojans field 13 varsity sports with 264 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Athletic scholarships total $940,780 across all programs. With 85% of students coming from Iowa, the campus feels distinctly local. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than some community colleges, but the focus remains on practical skills that translate directly to jobs. Only 400 students can live on campus, so most commute from surrounding communities.

Academics & Faculty

North Iowa Area Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for students seeking career training and transfer opportunities. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than four-year institutions, but the college focuses on hands-on learning in technical fields. With a 55.20% six-year graduation rate, NIACC performs solidly for a community college, helping students complete certificates and associate degrees. The school has built a reputation for strong nursing and health sciences programs that feed into Iowa's healthcare system. Students also find robust offerings in agriculture, business, and industrial technology. Most graduates either transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly with marketable skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,462

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,995
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$42,682
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$39,369
Agricultural Business and Management.	Associate	$38,289
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$38,289
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$36,183
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$32,382
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$27,874
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$27,439
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,964

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Mason City sits in north-central Iowa, about 120 miles north of Des Moines and two hours south of Minneapolis. With housing for just 400 students and total enrollment of 1,271, most Trojans commute from the surrounding rural communities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so pack heavy coats for the long stretches between December and March. The semester calendar gives students extended winter and summer breaks to return home or work seasonal jobs.

About 85% of students come from Iowa, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know each other. The 264 student-athletes across 13 varsity sports form the social backbone of campus life. Basketball games in the Trojans' gym draw solid crowds during Iowa's harsh winters. With 97.6% of graduates finding employment, many students balance classes with part-time jobs in Mason City's agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Weekend activities center around athletic events, trips to nearby Clear Lake for recreation, or heading home to family farms and small towns scattered across northern Iowa.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 400 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1918

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	2	3	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 6°–24°F
July Avg: 60°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 70.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

North Iowa Area Community College draws primarily from Iowa and neighboring states, with 85% of students calling Iowa home. The student body reflects the rural Midwest demographics, though the college serves a diverse population for its region. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges that offer strong health sciences and education transfer programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families. The local draw speaks to NIACC's reputation as north central Iowa's go-to institution for career training and college transfer preparation.

Men: 46.0%
Women: 54.0%
White: 76.5%
Black: 5.4%
Hispanic: 9.8%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 85.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.6%

Location

Mason City, Iowa sits in the north-central part of the state, about 120 miles north of Des Moines and 130 miles south of Minneapolis. The area blends small-town charm with regional commerce, as Mason City serves as a center for several surrounding rural counties. Frank Lloyd Wright's influence runs deep here, with the architect's Prairie School style visible throughout the historic downtown district. The community of roughly 27,000 provides internship and job opportunities for NIACC's 1,271 students, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. With 85.39% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Iowa's landscape of rolling farmland and tight-knit communities. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare North Iowa Area Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mason City, Iowa 50401

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,462
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,087
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at North Iowa Area Community College?

North Iowa Area Community College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified applicants are generally admitted. The school serves 1,271 students and draws 85.39% of its enrollment from Iowa residents seeking accessible higher education.

How much does North Iowa Area Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,849 annually at North Iowa Area Community College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,912 after aid, while the school awards institutional grants averaging $7,499 to 27.85% of students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at North Iowa Area Community College?

North Iowa Area Community College maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its academic programs. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career-oriented training and transfer preparation for students in rural north-central Iowa.

What are the job prospects after graduating from North Iowa Area Community College?

Graduates achieve a 97.6% employment rate within six years of completing their programs at North Iowa Area Community College. Alumni earn a median salary of $43,462 ten years after graduation, with relatively low debt burdens averaging $9,500.

Does North Iowa Area Community College offer on-campus housing?

North Iowa Area Community College provides on-campus housing for up to 400 students at a cost of $7,488 annually for room and board. The rural-fringe campus in Mason City offers a traditional college experience for students who want to live on campus while attending community college.

What sports programs does North Iowa Area Community College offer?

North Iowa Area Community College fields 13 varsity sports teams competing as the Trojans in NCCAA athletics. The school supports 264 student-athletes with $940,780 in athletic scholarships, providing competitive opportunities in a community college setting.