- The mission of the North Iowa Area Community College is to enhance the quality of life for people of North Iowa through comprehensive educational opportunities, progressive partnerships, exemplary service, and responsive leadership.
School Highlights
North Iowa Area Community College serves 3,261 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 32%.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Enrollment: 3,261 students
- In-state tuition: $4,703
- Out-state tuition: $6,664
- Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 16%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 292 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
North Iowa Area Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
292 staff
274 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of North Iowa Area Community College has grown by 12% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The North Iowa Area Community College diversity score of 0.29 is less than the state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,261 students
2,140 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
17:1
# Full-Time Students
1,172 students
148 students
# Part-Time Students
2,089 students
1,992 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
326 students
333 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,172 students
148 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
61 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,089 students
2,075 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
403 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
400 students
400 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
7%
9%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
84%
68%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
8%
Diversity Score
0.29
0.52
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
55%
51%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,600
$33,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,703 is more than the state average of $4,331. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,664 is more than the state average of $4,920. The out-state tuition has declined by 19% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,703
$4,331
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,664
$4,920
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
72%
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Trojans
- The College, which began as Mason City Junior College (MCJC) in 1918, has the distinction of being the very first public two-year college in Iowa and one of the first such institutions in the country. Today, the 500-acre countryside campus consists of contemporary, state-of-the-art facilities including the Student Activity Center, Muse-Norris Conference Center, and Murphy Manufacturing Technology Center, as well as lakeside student apartments. The College also operates Community Education Centers in Charles City, Garner, Hampton, Lake Mills and Osage. With a staff of approximately 300, the College currently offers nearly 40 one- and two-year career programs, the first two years toward a bachelor's degree in most fields, and an array of continuing education opportunities for professional and personal growth. On average, the College serves over 2,800 degree students each year and thousands more through non-credit programs. The college is accredited by theHigher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does North Iowa Area Community College cost?
North Iowa Area Community College's tuition is approximately $4,703 for In-State students and $6,664 for Out-State students.
Recent Articles
Community Colleges: A to Z – 2025 Guide
Explore the A–Z of community colleges in 2025: programs, affordability, pathways, and innovations for educators and parents.
Community College vs. Dual Enrollment 2025
Compare community college and dual enrollment in 2025. A parent’s guide to affordability, transfer credits, and student success pathways.
Will My Child’s Credits Transfer? Parent’s 2025 Guide
Learn how to ensure your child’s credits transfer in 2025. A parent’s guide to transfer policies, pitfalls, and planning for success.
