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$5,042Tuition
2,589Students
40%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,473Earnings
#18 in IowaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Western Iowa Tech Community College

Western Iowa Tech Community College trains students for hands-on careers in the Sioux City area. The college enrolls 2,589 students and focuses on career and technical programs that connect directly to local job markets. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for instructors to provide individual attention. The school serves as a workforce pipeline for regional employers who need skilled technicians and trade workers.

Students pay an average net price of $8,875 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $40,473 ten years after starting school, while typical debt loads reach just $11,000. The math works in students' favor since monthly loan payments average only $117. Out-of-state students pay barely more than residents, with tuition climbing only $144 higher. The employment rate hits 95.7%, meaning nearly all graduates find work quickly after finishing their programs.

Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare and business programs. The college fields four varsity sports teams with 76 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Nearly 87% of students come from Iowa, creating a tight-knit community feel. Students can live on campus in housing that accommodates 450 residents, though many commute from the surrounding Sioux City area.

Academics & Faculty

Western Iowa Tech builds careers through hands-on technical training that directly connects to local industry needs. The college serves 2,589 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in specialized programs. Students pursue certificates and associate degrees in fields like welding, automotive technology, nursing, and information technology. The 40.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many working students face balancing education with employment. However, graduates who complete programs find strong job prospects, with a 95.7% employment rate demonstrating the college's effectiveness at workforce preparation. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theory, with labs and workshops that mirror actual workplace conditions in manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
24.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
40.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,473

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $50,387
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $34,704
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $34,603
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $34,526
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $33,993
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $33,726
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $32,569
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Certificate $28,960
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $28,598

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Western Iowa Tech sits in Sioux City, a Missouri River town of 85,000 people about two hours from Omaha. With housing for just 450 students and total enrollment of 2,589, most students commute from the surrounding tri-state area. The campus centers around career training, where 63% of students are women pursuing programs in healthcare, business, and technical fields. Iowa winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring humid heat that keeps students moving between air-conditioned buildings.

The 76 varsity athletes across four sports create some campus energy, though this isn't a traditional college party scene. Students often work part-time jobs alongside their studies, especially given the 95.7% employment rate after graduation. Weekends typically mean heading home or picking up extra shifts rather than campus events. The small-city setting offers chain restaurants and a few local bars, but entertainment options stay limited. Most students focus on completing their programs quickly to enter the workforce with median debt of just $11,000.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
450 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 2 2 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
8°–29°F
July Avg
63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
30.3"
Annual Snowfall
36.0"

Student Demographics

Western Iowa Tech draws heavily from the local community, with 87% of students coming from Iowa. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services. About one-quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking career training. The student population is 52% white with significant Hispanic representation at 23%, mirroring Sioux City's diverse demographics. Most students are looking for practical skills training that leads directly to employment in the region's healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and service industries.
Men
36.8%
Women
63.2%
White
51.8%
Black
6.8%
Hispanic
22.9%
Asian
1.8%
In-State Students
86.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.3%

Location

Western Iowa Tech Community College sits in Sioux City, Iowa, a city of about 85,000 people along the Missouri River. The campus is roughly 100 miles northeast of Omaha and 185 miles northwest of Des Moines. Sioux City anchors the tri-state area where Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota meet. The region blends agricultural heritage with modern industry, including major meatpacking and manufacturing operations. About 87% of students come from Iowa, reflecting the college's strong ties to the local community. The Missouri River corridor provides recreational opportunities, while the downtown area offers restaurants and cultural venues within walking distance of campus. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Western Iowa Tech Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sioux City, Iowa 51102-5199

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,473
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,729
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,100
Loan Repayment Rate
45.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Western Iowa Tech Community College?

Western Iowa Tech Community College follows an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The school serves 2,589 students who are looking for practical career training in the Sioux City area. Most students can enroll directly in programs without going through a selective admissions process.

How much does Western Iowa Tech Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,875 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $5,042 while out-of-state students pay just slightly more at $5,186. Low-income families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $7,493 per year, making this one of the more affordable higher education options in Iowa.

What academic programs is Western Iowa Tech Community College known for?

The college specializes in career and technical training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the Sioux City region. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on instruction in practical skills. The school maintains strong connections with local employers who hire graduates from these workforce-focused programs.

What employment outcomes do Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate, reflecting the school's focus on job-ready training programs. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $40,473, which is competitive for associate degree holders. The college's emphasis on technical skills training helps students enter the workforce quickly in high-demand fields.

Does Western Iowa Tech Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 450 students at a cost of $6,291 for room and board. Most of the 2,589 enrolled students are local, with 86.78% coming from Iowa. The campus serves as a center for students throughout the Sioux City area who want to stay close to home while pursuing their education.

What athletic opportunities exist at Western Iowa Tech Community College?

The college fields 4 varsity sports teams with 76 total student athletes competing in the NCCAA division. Athletic scholarships total $326,730, providing financial support for talented student athletes. The athletic programs add to campus life while maintaining the school's primary focus on career preparation and technical training.