- 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 2,674 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 32%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,674 students
- In-state tuition: $5,460
- Out-state tuition: $5,850
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 20%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 148 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Northwest Iowa Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High 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
148 staff
274 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Northwest Iowa Community College has grown by 50% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Northwest Iowa Community College diversity score of 0.33 is less than the state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has declined by 31% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,674 students
2,140 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
# Full-Time Students
599 students
148 students
# Part-Time Students
2,075 students
1,992 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
267 students
333 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
599 students
148 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
61 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,075 students
2,075 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
403 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
170 students
400 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
3%
% Hispanic
9%
9%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
80%
68%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
8%
Diversity Score
0.33
0.52
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
64%
51%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
26%
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 14% 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 12% 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
84%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,374
$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 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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Northwest Iowa Community College is Avalon School of Cosmetology (33.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
Avalon School of Cosmetology
Private for-profit
1428 N McMillan St
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 372-2344
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 372-2344
33.4 miles
| 18 students
Faust Institute of Cosmetology-Spirit Lake
Private for-profit
1543 18th Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-0512
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-0512
40.9 miles
| 15 students
Avera McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology
Private not-for-profit
1325 South Cliff Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
(605) 322-1720
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
(605) 322-1720
49.2 miles
| 24 students
Sanford Medical Center
Private not-for-profit
1305 W. 18th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
(605) 333-7544
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
(605) 333-7544
50.5 miles
| 28 students
2320 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 367-7624
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 367-7624
53.3 miles
| 3,115 students
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