- Mission of the college is to provide opportunities for quality lifelong learning and promote economic development for our communities.
School Highlights
Iowa Lakes Community College serves 2,288 students (37% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 26%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 2,288 students
- In-state tuition: $5,516
- Out-state tuition: $5,868
- Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
- Minority enrollment: 18%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 260 teachers has grown by 136% over five years.
Iowa Lakes Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
260 staff
274 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Iowa Lakes Community College has grown by 13% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Iowa Lakes Community College diversity score of 0.32 is less than the state average of 0.44. The school's diversity has declined by 32% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,288 students
2,501 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1

# Full-Time Students
844 students
1,099 students

# Part-Time Students
1,444 students
1,402 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
141 students
210 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
844 students
1,099 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
45 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,444 students
1,444 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
457 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
507 students
400 students

% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a

% Asian
1%
2%

% Hispanic
5%
7%

% Black
4%
6%

% White
82%
74%

% Two or more races
3%
2%

% Non Resident races
1%
2%

% Unknown races
4%
7%


Diversity Score
0.32
0.44

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
46%
35%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.01%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,700
$33,600

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,516 is more than the state average of $4,331. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,868 is more than the state average of $4,920. The out-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,516
$4,331

Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,868
$4,920

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
91%

Median Debt for Graduates
$11,500
$11,250

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500

Acceptance Rate
n/a
59%
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Iowa Lakes Community College is a public, comprehensive educational institution accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college was established in 1967 under provision of Chapters 260C and 260D, Code of Iowa. Over 73,000 people reside in this predominately rural five-county district encompassing approximately 2,900 square miles. Iowa Lakes Community College is a two-year college located in the rural northwest part of the state of Iowa in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Founded in 1967, Iowa Lakes provides affordable education to the residents of northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. The communities served by Iowa Lakes are Emmetsburg, Estherville, Algona, Spencer, Spirit Lake and Okoboji. Currently, over 3,600 students are enrolled in the liberal arts, career option, and vocational-technical programs as well as other programs. In addition, Continuing Education helps to provide lifelong learning opportunities as well as workplace training. The College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Iowa Lakes Community College cost?
Iowa Lakes Community College's tuition is approximately $5,516 for In-State students and $5,868 for Out-State students.
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