What Is It Known For?
Hawkeye Community College was founded in 1966 and began as Hawkeye Institute of Technology. It’s part of Iowa’s network of 15 community colleges, working with the Department of Education to offer quality programs.
HCC enrolls about 5,000 students and has helped over 300 businesses. The college has also trained more than 14,000 workers for various jobs.
Like other Iowa community colleges, HCC is managed by a local board of directors. These board members, five to nine in number, are chosen by the community and serve for four years.
Degrees & Certifications
Hawkeye Community College offers a wide range of educational options for students. It has over 40 certificate and degree programs, covering many fields of study, including:
- Business
- Health
- Industrial and engineering technology
- Information technology
- Transfer programs, and more.
Class Schedules
Hawkeye Community College has flexible class schedules to help students balance their education with other responsibilities. You can find face-to-face classes, online courses, and hybrid options that mix both. Some programs even use web-live formats.
For those who work during the day, HCC also provides evening classes in certain subjects. What’s more, the college offers hands-on learning through apprenticeships and clinical experiences in some fields.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Hawkeye Community College is a legitimate educational institution. It has earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a respected authority in higher education. This means that Hawkeye meets rigorous academic standards and provides quality education to its students.
Acceptance Rate
Hawkeye Community College has an open admission policy, meaning most applicants are accepted. However, some specific programs may have stricter entry requirements. For the most accurate information about admission to particular courses, contact the school directly.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Hawkeye Community College offers competitive tuition rates for both residents and non-residents.
Here’s the total cost per credit hour, including fees:
- resident: $225
- non-resident: $228
These figures are averages, and actual costs will depend on the program you’re interested in and your circumstances. To get a better estimate of your personal expenses, you can use the school’s net price calculatoror reach out to the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Overview
- Communications
- Accounting
- Administrative Office Management
- Bookkeeping Specialist
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Social Work
Healthcare
- Exercise Science
- Human and Family Services
- Psychology
- Veterinary Assisting
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Certified Professional Medical Coder
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Services
- Home Health Aide
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Patient Access and Front Desk
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Respiratory Care
Professional Services
- Graphic Design
Skilled Trades
- Auto Collision Technologies
- Automotive Technology
- Bus Driver
- Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Diesel Technology
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Flooring Installation
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Civil and Construction Engineering Technology
- CNC Machining
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Industrial Automation Technology
- Manufacturing
- Welding
Technology
- Coding Bootcamp Class
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems Management
- Information Technology Specialist
- Network Administration and Engineering
- Web Programming and Development
Campus Locations
Waterloo 1501 East Orange Road Waterloo, Iowa 50704
Waterloo TechWorks Campus 360 Westfield Ave Waterloo, IA 50701
Cedar Falls 5330 Nordic Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Waterloo 5503 Hammond Avenue Waterloo, IA 50701
Independence Independence High School 700 20th Ave SW Independence, IA 50644
Waterloo 6433 Hammond Avenue Waterloo, IA 50701
Waterloo 120 Jefferson Street Waterloo, IA 50701
Holland 17040 Market Avenue Holland, IA 50642
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Hawkeye Community College has a generally positive reputation, particularly for its affordability and supportive staff and faculty. However, the feedback is mixed, with some serious criticisms regarding program quality and administrative issues.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Value: Reviewers consistently praise the school as an affordable option for a quality education. The availability of online and flexible class schedules is also seen as a significant positive, allowing students to balance work and school.
Supportive and Personable Staff: The staff and faculty are frequently described as “awesome” and “helpful,” with many students feeling that the school works hard to help them succeed.
Great Facilities: The campus is noted for being “pretty nice” and “amazing.” Reviewers specifically praise the dental clinic for its excellent preventative care, and the quality of the work in programs like the design program.
Effective Career Preparation: Some reviews from alumni mention the school’s success in preparing them for their careers, citing good curriculum for many fields.
Common Criticisms
Inconsistent Academic Rigor: A significant criticism from a former nursing student highlights that very little was taught in class, with students having to teach themselves the material, leading to a high attrition rate. A separate review suggests that the curriculum, in general, only “scratch[es] the surface of the basics.” However, official data shows high NCLEX pass rates for both the RN and LPN programs, which may contradict the specific experience mentioned in the review.
Administrative and Communication Issues: One reviewer was charged an extra fee due to the school’s delay in providing required materials. Another experienced a “terrible tour” given by a student, with no opportunity to see classrooms or speak to a teacher, which left a poor impression of the admissions process.
Momentum
The reviews for Hawkeye Community College are mixed over time. The most recent reviews are largely positive and focus on the campus and facilities, suggesting a positive experience for some. However, older reviews point to serious, fundamental issues in academics and administration. The school’s quick and personalized responses to some of the criticisms suggest an effort to address student concerns, but the recurring nature of some of the issues may be a concern for prospective students.