What Is It Known For?
Kirkwood Community College, founded on July 1, 1966, is a public institution serving seven counties in eastern Iowa. Originally called “Area X Community College,” Kirkwood has grown into a significant educational hub. It’s part of Iowa’s network of community colleges, operating under state regulations and governed by a nine-member elected board.
With about 12,000 students enrolled each year, Kirkwood provides education and training to a substantial portion of the region’s population. The college’s impact on local communities has been steady since its establishment over five decades ago.
Degrees & Certifications
Kirkwood Community College offers several educational options with over 140 majors and programs. Students can earn one-year certificates, diplomas, or two-year associate degrees. The college’s programs cover diverse fields:
- Animals, Food & Land
- Arts & Design
- Business
- Culture, Communication, & Human Behavior
- Health & Wellness
- Manufacturing, Trades & Transportation
- Social Services, Safety & Education, and
- STEM & IT
Class Schedules
Kirkwood’s FlexFORWARD program lets students complete online courses in just weeks. Some programs include job shadowing and practicum opportunities in ambulatory care clinics, giving students hands-on experience.
For those who work during the day, evening classes are also available for certain courses. This mix of online, practical, and evening options helps students balance their education with other commitments.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Kirkwood Community College is a legitimate educational institution. It has official recognition from two respected bodies: the Iowa Department of Education and The Higher Learning Commission. These accreditations confirm the college’s academic standards and the value of its programs.
Acceptance Rate
Kirkwood Community College welcomes all students through its open admission policy. Their 100% acceptance rate means anyone can enroll, regardless of having a high school diploma. The college takes pride in offering education to a wide range of people, making learning accessible to many.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Kirkwood Community College offers different tuition rates based on residency.
- Iowa residents: $217 per credit hour
- Out-of-state students: $290 per credit hour
- International students: $400 per credit hour
To get a better idea of your total costs, you can use Kirkwood’s net cost calculator. This tool helps you estimate your expenses, taking into account factors like financial aid and living arrangements.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Administrative Management
- Financial Services
- Marketing Management
- Communications
- Hospitality Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Economics
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Paralegal
- Political Science
Healthcare
- Veterinary Technician
- Psychology
- Dental Assisting
- Exercise Science
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Technology
- Diagnostic Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paramedic
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Surgical Technology
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Media
- Interior Design
- Theatre
- Music
Skilled Trades
- Architectural Technology
- CAD/Mechanical Engineering
- Interior Design
- Welding Technologies
- Aviation Maintenance
- Construction Management
- Diesel Truck Technologies
- Fire Science Technology
Technology
- Computer Science
- Network & System Administration
- Web Application Development
- Computer Software Development
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity and Compliance
Campus Locations
Cedar Rapids 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Vinton 111 W 3rd Street Vinton, IA 52349
Williamsburg 200 West Street Williamsburg, IA 52361
Monticello 220 Welter Drive Monticello, IA 52310
Hiawatha 1770 Boyson Road Hiawatha, IA 52233
Coralville 2301 Oakdale Blvd. Coralville, IA 52241
Washington 2192 Lexington Blvd Washington, IA 52353
Cedar Rapids 7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Cedar Rapids 101 50th Ave SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Kirkwood Community College has a mixed reputation, with significant praise for its educational value and some serious, recurring issues with administrative processes, communication, and specific faculty members.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Effective Academics and Programs: The college is praised for its math program and for offering a good starting point for students to get their education. The “one class at a time” format is appreciated for allowing students to focus. Students also note that it’s a great school for transferring to a four-year university, with many positive experiences reported in that regard.
Supportive and Helpful Professors: Many reviews describe professors as caring, knowledgeable, and willing to help. Some students feel they have great relationships with their teachers due to small class sizes and a personalized environment.
Affordable and Accessible: The college is praised for its low tuition and its “people’s college” approach, which accepts a wide range of students. The ability for high school students to earn free college credits is a significant positive for many.
Good Facilities and Events: The campus itself is described as a good place to be, with positive mentions of the hotel and culinary school, as well as events like horse shows.
Common Criticisms
Major Administrative and Communication Issues: This is the most significant and frequent criticism. Reviewers describe a lack of communication from staff, being charged for classes they never attended, and poor experiences with the financial aid and appeal process. Multiple reviews recount stories of being given “the run around” and a lack of understanding from administrative staff, particularly regarding student crises.
Uncaring or Hostile Faculty: While some professors are highly praised, others receive strong negative feedback. One reviewer in a motorcycle class felt the instructor was rude and created a “hostile and unsafe” environment. Another review from a former nursing student claims instructors “could care less about if you are learning the material.”
Issues with Specific Programs: There are specific complaints about certain programs, such as the nursing program being overly difficult to maintain a high pass rate. One student felt a class was “dumbed down,” while others felt certain professors “target certain students.”
Momentum
The reviews, while spanning several years, show a consistent pattern of both positive and negative experiences. Recent reviews continue this trend, with a mix of praise for helpful staff and complaints about specific faculty. The college is very active in responding to all reviews, both positive and negative, often providing contact information to resolve issues. This level of engagement suggests an institutional effort to address concerns, but the recurring nature of the negative feedback indicates that some of the underlying administrative and communication problems persist.