Northwest Iowa Community College Photo #4 - NCC's Automotive and Diesel lab areas recently underwent a complete renovation.

Northwest Iowa Community College

  • Northwest Iowa Community College is a progressive learning college rapidly responding to the changing needs of our global community.

School Highlights

Northwest Iowa Community College serves 1,907 students (34% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is lower than the state community college average of 30:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 32%.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 1,907 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,460
  • Out-state tuition: $5,850
  • Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
  • Minority enrollment: 21%
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

The teacher population of 67 teachers has declined by 54% over five years.
Northwest Iowa Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
67 staff
18 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
3
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Northwest Iowa Community College has grown by 14% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Northwest Iowa Community College diversity score of 0.36 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 12% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,907 students
1,532 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
30:1
# Full-Time Students
639 students
165 students
# Part-Time Students
1,268 students
1,367 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
115 students
127 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
639 students
165 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
107 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,268 students
1,466 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
238 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
170 students
411 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
3%
% Hispanic
10%
9%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
79%
68%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
9%
Diversity Score
0.36
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
64%
55%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$41,300
$33,600

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $5,460 is more than the state average of $4,331. The in-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,850 is more than the state average of $4,920. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,460
$4,331
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,850
$4,920
Tuition Notes
$208 per semester credit for residents (effective 2024-2025)
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,374
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
78%
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • The College is located on a 263 acre campus along Highway 18 on the west side of Sheldon. Sheldon, Iowa is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 60 and Iowa State Highway 18 in the far northwest part of the state. Sheldon is located one hour from Sioux City, IA, and Sioux Falls, SD; and less than four hours from Des Moines, IA, and Minneapolis, MN. Northwest Iowa Community College serves Area IV in northwest Iowa, including Lyon, Osceola, Sioux, O'Brien and Cherokee counties. There are over 30 programs of study at NCC, including Arts & Science transfer and programs covering manufacturing, electrical, automotive, computers, business, and health. NCC also offers non-credit continuing education and training for business and industry. Northwest Iowa Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Iowa Department of Education, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Northwest Iowa Community College cost?
Northwest Iowa Community College's tuition is approximately $5,460 for In-State students and $5,850 for Out-State students.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 1,907 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,460
  • Out-state tuition: $5,850
  • Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
  • Minority enrollment: 21%
  • Source: Verified school update

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Iowa public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,331 per year for in-state students and $4,920 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $17,086 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Iowa is 75%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

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