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$6,300Tuition
1,529Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,882Earnings
#20 in IowaPublic2-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Southeastern Community College

The Blackhawks serve 1,529 students in a small Iowa town where agriculture and manufacturing drive the local economy. Southeastern Community College has built its reputation on practical workforce training and strong transfer pathways to four-year universities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention that many students need to succeed in their first college experience.

Students pay an average of $12,812 after financial aid, though low-income families pay closer to $10,279. Graduates earn a median of $36,882 ten years after starting, which represents solid earning potential for a two-year degree. The typical monthly loan payment of $127 reflects the school's affordability focus. Only 25% of students take federal loans, keeping debt manageable at a median of $12,000.

Athletic programs matter here, with 281 student-athletes competing across 12 NAIA sports and $801,411 in athletic scholarships available. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in health sciences and education programs. The 43% graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving first-generation and working students. Most importantly, 94% of graduates find employment, proving the school delivers on its workforce preparation mission.

Academics & Faculty

Southeastern Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for students in southeastern Iowa, with 1,529 students benefiting from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship. The college is known for its strong workforce development programs, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and agricultural technology that align with regional industry needs. With a 43.3% six-year graduation rate, the school focuses on career preparation rather than traditional academic outcomes. Students can transfer credits to four-year institutions or enter the workforce directly. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in programs like nursing, welding, and business, preparing graduates for immediate employment in Iowa's rural economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,882

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,597
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $45,696
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Associate $38,871
Precision Metal Working. Associate $34,171
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $33,993
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $31,305
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $29,443
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $21,117

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

West Burlington sits in southeast Iowa farm country, about 150 miles from both Des Moines and Kansas City. Only 16% of students live in the campus housing, which means most commute from nearby towns or live off-campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for the months between November and March. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name.

The Blackhawks compete in 12 NAIA sports with 281 total athletes, making athletics visible on the compact campus. With 61% women and 39% men enrolled, the student body skews female. Weekend activities center around Burlington's small-town offerings or trips to larger cities. The semester system allows for traditional fall and spring breaks. About 74% of students come from Iowa, creating a regional community feel. Employment rates hit 94.1% after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. The rural setting means limited nightlife but strong connections between students who choose to stay involved in campus activities.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
240 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
15°–31°F
July Avg
66°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
40.4"
Annual Snowfall
-756.0"

Student Demographics

Most students come from Iowa and the surrounding region, with three-quarters choosing to stay close to home for their education. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. The Blackhawks draw a working-class student body, with over a quarter receiving Pell Grants. Many students are the first in their families to attend college. The diverse mix includes significant Latino and African American populations. Most juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing degrees that lead directly to local careers in nursing, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Men
39.1%
Women
61.0%
White
63.4%
Black
6.7%
Hispanic
6.3%
Asian
1.4%
In-State Students
74.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.9%

Location

West Burlington, Iowa sits in the southeastern corner of the state along the Mississippi River, about 20 miles south of Iowa City. The town has fewer than 3,000 residents and offers a quiet, rural atmosphere typical of small Iowa communities. Students here experience true small-town living, with cornfields and farmland stretching in most directions. The Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities and scenic views just minutes from campus. Burlington proper, the larger neighboring city, adds dining and shopping options for the college's 1,529 students. The area maintains strong agricultural roots while serving as a regional education center. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Southeastern Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
West Burlington, Iowa 52655-0180

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,882
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,137
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,200
Loan Repayment Rate
42.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southeastern Community College?

Southeastern Community College maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with varying academic backgrounds. With 1,529 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in southeastern Iowa. The school focuses on providing opportunities for both traditional students and those seeking career changes or skill development.

How much does Southeastern Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,812 annually, with lower-income families paying less through financial aid. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and low-income students. The total cost of attendance is $17,498, making it an affordable option for two-year education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southeastern Community College?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention in classrooms. This smaller class environment supports the college's mission of preparing students for either transfer to four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce. The college operates on a semester system to align with most transfer institutions.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Southeastern Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.1% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in workforce preparation. The median earnings one year after graduation reach $41,282, reflecting the value of career-focused programs. However, only 43.3% complete their programs within six years, which is typical for community colleges serving many part-time and working students.

Where do students live at Southeastern Community College?

The college houses 240 students on campus in West Burlington, Iowa, a small town setting. With 74% of students coming from in-state, many commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus. The rural Iowa location provides a close-knit campus environment while keeping room and board costs at $9,844 annually.

Does Southeastern Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The Blackhawks compete in NAIA athletics with 281 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports. The college awards $801,411 in athletic scholarships annually, providing significant financial support for talented athletes. This athletic program helps recruit students to the rural campus while building school spirit in the small town community.