About Northwest Iowa Community College
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from low-income households pay an average net price of $9,399 after aid, while those from middle-class families typically pay between $8,168 and $11,764. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,776 ten years after starting college. Most students graduate with modest debt loads of $9,500, leading to monthly loan payments of just $101. The employment rate reaches an impressive 99.6%, suggesting strong job placement.
The student body reflects rural Iowa demographics, with 78.5% white students and 86.8% coming from in-state. Only 178 students live on campus, creating an intimate residential experience. The college offers just two varsity sports with 17 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention from instructors who understand the needs of rural communities and regional employers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,776
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $66,756 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $58,673 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,439 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,937 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,739 |
Campus Life
Winters here are serious business with heavy snow and subzero temperatures lasting months. You'll need heavy coats, boots, and a car with good tires. The flat prairie landscape offers little protection from wind. With just 17 total athletes across 2 varsity sports, athletics play a minimal role in campus life. Students often work part-time jobs in town or help with family farming operations. Weekend activities revolve around outdoor recreation when weather permits, trips to larger towns for shopping and entertainment, or simple social gatherings. The 99.6% employment rate reflects the school's practical focus on career preparation rather than traditional college social experiences.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 178 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 3°–24°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.4%
- Women
- 51.6%
- White
- 78.5%
- Black
- 6.1%
- Hispanic
- 10.3%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 86.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.6%
Location
- Address
- Sheldon, Iowa 51201
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,776
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,526
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Northwest Iowa Community College?
Northwest Iowa Community College has open enrollment for most programs, meaning students with a high school diploma or equivalent can be admitted. The college serves 856 students and focuses on providing accessible education to rural northwest Iowa communities. Some specialized programs may have additional prerequisites or application requirements.
How much does Northwest Iowa Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,357 annually at Northwest Iowa Community College. In-state tuition runs $7,110 while out-of-state students pay just $300 more at $7,410. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $9,399 after aid, making it one of the more affordable options in Iowa.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest Iowa Community College?
Northwest Iowa Community College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college emphasizes career training and transfer preparation in a close-knit environment. Faculty work closely with students in both technical programs and general education courses designed for university transfer.
What are employment outcomes like for Northwest Iowa Community College graduates?
Northwest Iowa Community College boasts an impressive 99.6% employment rate for its graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $50,776 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The typical graduate carries only $9,500 in debt with manageable monthly loan payments of $101.
Where is Northwest Iowa Community College located and what is campus life like?
Northwest Iowa Community College sits in Sheldon, Iowa, a small town in a remote rural setting. The campus houses 178 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With only 17 total athletes competing in 2 varsity sports through the NCCAA, the college maintains a focus on academics over athletics.
How diverse is the student body at Northwest Iowa Community College?
Northwest Iowa Community College enrolls a student body that is 78.5% white, reflecting the demographics of rural northwest Iowa. Hispanic students make up 10.28% of enrollment while Black students represent 6.07%. The college draws 86.81% of its students from within Iowa, with a nearly even gender split of 51.64% women and 48.36% men.
