I

Iowa Western Community College

Community CollegeSuburb: Large

About Iowa Western Community College

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Iowa Western Community College teaches in Council Bluffs, across the river from Omaha, and keeps dormitories. Nursing and criminal justice are among its largest programs.

Founded

1966

Location

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Students

2,916

Institution

Community College

Known For

NursingCriminal JusticeAutomotive & RepairTransfer Pathways

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

Open

Admits all qualified applicants

Graduation Rate

40%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$6,930

Out-of-state: $7,080

Avg Net Price

$14,629

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not required

No test scores requested

Median Earnings

$42,793

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Open Admission

Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate

How to Apply

Test Policy

No test needed

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
40%

Below Average

40% complete their degree within three years

Retention

57%

Transfer Out

19%

Teaching Quality

19:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

33.5%

$/Student

$6.7K

Class Size

Large

The 40% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$6,930

In-State

/

$7,080

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$8,750

Books & Supplies

$1,290

Total Cost of Attendance

$18,978

After Financial Aid

$14,629

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$13,099

Receive Grants

24.3%

Take Loans

20%

The total cost of attendance runs about $18,978/yr, including $8,750 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $14,629.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Iowa Western Community College fund their education.

While in School

24.3%

Get Grants

Free money

20%

Take Loans

Must repay

$29,881

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$11,033

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$117/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

The median debt is just $11,033, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Iowa Western Community College.

Gender

55.8%

Female

/

44%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

58.2%
13.1%
11.9%
5.7%
5.5%
1.5%
White
Black
Hispanic
Multiracial
International
Asian

Enrollment

2,916

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

N/A

Graduates

42.5%

First-Gen

23 yrs

Avg Age

13.8%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 42.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 5.5% international students add diversity to the campus.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Suburb: Large

Suburb: Large

Campus Quick Facts

2,916

Students

community

Institution

Small

Campus Size

N/A

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

No

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

No

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Iowa Western Community College fields 13 varsity teams with 680 student athletes, about 23% of the student body.

Division

NJCAA

Division I

Conference

Not reported

Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams

Varsity Sports

13

Biggest: Football

Student Athletes

680

23% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

71% / 29%

481

Men

/

199

Women

11

Men's Teams

11

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
134
Football
113
Soccer
69
Track (In)
69
Track (Out)
55
Baseball

Every Varsity Team

Football134Soccer113Track and Field (Indoor)69Track and Field (Outdoor)69Baseball55Basketball54Wrestling52Cross Country32Softball30Golf20Bowling20Volleyball19Swimming13

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Iowa Western Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$42,793

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$36K
6yr
$34K
8yr
$43K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$28K

321 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$65K

99 grads

1yr Earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections

25 grads

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians

$47K

24 grads

1yr Earnings

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

23 grads

Psychology, General

23 grads

Graduates earn about $36K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Iowa Western Community College

How much does Iowa Western Community College cost?
Tuition at Iowa Western Community College is $6,930 for in-state students and $7,080 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $18,978/yr, including $8,750 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $14,629.
What is the graduation rate at Iowa Western Community College?
Iowa Western Community College has a graduation rate of 40%. The 40% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
How much do Iowa Western Community College graduates earn?
The median earnings for Iowa Western Community College graduates is $42,793 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $36K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.