What Is It Known For?
Since 1966, Iowa Central Community College has been a major contributor to the state’s education. As one of Iowa’s 15 community colleges, it serves more than 4,000 students. You can take classes at five different places in Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, or Webster City, plus online options for added flexibility.
Iowa Central is overseen by a locally elected board of directors, with members serving four-year terms. This board is responsible for establishing college policies, determining academic standards, and managing the institution’s budget.
Degrees & Certifications
At Iowa Central Community College, students have over 100 programs to choose from. So whether you want an Associate of Applied Science Degree or a diploma, you can find them in the following fields:
- Business
- Industrial technology
- Communication and Fine Arts
- Social and Behavioral Science
- Health
- STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine)
Class Schedules
Iowa Central Community College adapts to students’ busy lives with different class timing options. You can take morning or evening classes on campus, and some programs include clinical externships for hands-on learning.
The college also has a strong online presence, with full Associate degree programs available entirely online. Additionally, individual online classes are offered, which are asynchronous, letting students work at their own pace throughout the week. If you’re interested in afternoon classes, check with the school directly for current options.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Iowa Central Community College is a legitimate school. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The HLC has kept Iowa Central accredited since 1974 which means the college meets key education standards.
Acceptance Rate
Iowa Central Community College welcomes everyone with its open-door policy. There’s no fee to apply, which is great for students.
While most programs are open to all, some have extra requirements such as academic qualifications. These include:
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Services
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Radiologic Technology
Contact the school for more details on admission requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The cost of attending Iowa Central Community College factors in your residency status and grades (if you’re a non-resident).
- Iowa resident – $210.00 per hour
- Non- resident – 3.0 GPA – $215.00 per hour
- Non-resident – $310.50 per hour
There are other fees to consider, which can add up. To get a better idea of your total costs, use the school’s net price calculator or contact the college directly.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Overview
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Certified Nurse Aid
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Health Care Administration
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
Professional Services
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
- Digital Arts
- Graphics Technology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Collision Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Carpentry
- Electrical Technologies
- Electrical/Mechanical Technician
- Fire Science
- HVAC
- Industrial Mechanics
- Industrial Robotics and Automation
- Plumbing Technology
- Truck Driving
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Integrated Fabrication Technology
- Computer Networking Technology
- Information and Cyber Security
- Web Technology
Campus Locations
Fort Dodge One Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, United States
Storm Lake 323 W 20th, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Webster City 1725 Beach St, Webster City, IA 50595, United States
Fort Dodge 2031 Quail Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, United States
Jefferson 1901 N Grimmell Rd, Jefferson, IA 50129, United States
Eagle Grove 216 S Park Ave, Eagle Grove, IA 50533, United States
Laurens 300 W Garfield St, Laurens, IA 50554, USA
Fort Dodge 1106 S 32nd St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Iowa Central Community College is generally well-regarded, with a positive reputation for its supportive staff and campus environment. However, there are some specific criticisms, particularly concerning online learning and financial aid processes.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Caring Staff: A recurring theme is the positive relationship between students and faculty. Reviewers describe instructors as “amazing,” “personable,” and genuinely caring about students’ success. This support is particularly valued by non-traditional students.
Welcoming Community College Feel: Many students appreciate the “smaller campus feel” and welcoming atmosphere. The campus is noted as being easy to navigate, with good facilities and a variety of extracurriculars, including sports and arts programs.
Good Value and ROI: The college is seen as a great option for the price of tuition, offering a quality education and a positive experience without a high cost. Data from external sources confirms that one year after graduation, the median annual income for Iowa Central graduates is about $36,243, with this figure rising to over $45,000 within five years.
Strong Programs: Specific programs, such as nursing and esports, receive praise. The school’s overall graduation rate for first-time, full-time students is 37%, which is higher than its peer average.
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid Challenges: A recent review highlights difficulties with the financial aid process for students under 24, who are considered dependents for loan purposes. The school’s official website acknowledges this dependency requirement for the FAFSA and offers support to students who need documentation for a dependency override.
Inconsistent Online Learning: A few reviewers express dissatisfaction with online classes and online instructors, stating that some are unhelpful and seem to “just collect a paycheck.”
Specific Instructor and Administrative Issues: While the majority of reviews praise the staff, some isolated but severe critiques mention a specific “horrible” professor and a general feeling of a disorganized or “scam” system.
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct split between older positive feedback and more recent negative experiences. While a very recent review praises the instructors, the most severe criticisms about the school’s reputation and the value of its degree are recent and point to a potential decline in quality. External information reveals that IBC is a for-profit school and has been involved in litigation regarding its business practices. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The conflicting reviews may stem from the school’s long history and the varying quality of its different programs. The more recent, severe criticisms about a lack of recognition from employers and credit transfer issues are significant and contradict the more positive reviews from several years ago.