What Is It Known For?
Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), established in 1966, is a prominent educational institution in Iowa and part of the state’s 15-community-college network. Known for its hands-on training and strong ties to local industries, WITCC prepares students for workforce demands in fields like health sciences, business, and industrial technology.
Serving approximately 5,000 students annually, WITCC plays a vital role in the Sioux City region, fostering economic growth and community development through education.
Degrees & Certifications
WITCC offers a wide variety of programs across several disciplines. Key areas include:
- Health Science: Nursing, Radiologic Technology
- Industrial Technology: Welding, HVAC, Automotive Technology
- Business: Accounting, Marketing Management
- Arts & Sciences: General Education, Liberal Arts
- Information Technology: Computer Science, Cybersecurity
Class Schedules
Students have flexible scheduling options with morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Additionally, WITCC provides hybrid and fully online learning formats. Many programs incorporate practical components like externships, clinical experiences, or hands-on training to ensure students are workforce-ready
Is It Legit?
Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring it meets high academic and institutional standards. Additionally, several of WITCC’s programs, particularly in healthcare and allied health, hold specialized accreditations, such as from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This further affirms the quality of education provided at WITCC.
Acceptance Rate
WITCC has an open-admission policy, meaning nearly all applicants are accepted, making it an accessible choice for a wide range of students.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
At Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), tuition varies depending on the type of course and residency status. Iowa residents pay $179 per credit hour for on-campus and hybrid credit courses, while non-residents are charged $185.
Tuition for online credit courses is higher at $221 per credit hour. For more detailed information on tuition and fees, as well as to estimate the cost of attendance, WITCC offers a Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting Specialist
- Administrative Office Management
- Bookkeeping
- Business Management
- Communications
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Secretary
- Paralegal
- Political Science
- Social Work
Healthcare
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Emergency Medical Assistant
- Child Development
- Dental Assistant
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Exercise Science
- Paramedic
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Coding
- Nursing
- Nursing Assistant
- Paramedic
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Assistant
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
Skilled Trades
- HVAC
- Automotive Technology
- Auto Collision Repair Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Carpentry
- Construction
- Electrician
- Fire Fighter
- Welding
- Interior Finishing
- Manufacturing
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Truck Driving
Technology
- Computer Support Technician
- Cybersecurity
- Network Administration and Security
- Video Game Design
Campus Locations
Sioux City 4647 Stone Avenue Sioux City, IA 51106
Cherokee 200 Victory Drive Cherokee, IA 51012
Denison 11 N 35th St, Denison, IA 51442
Le Mars 940 Lincoln St SW, Le Mars, IA 51031
Mapleton 38491 Hwy 75 N. Mapleton, Iowa 51034
Student Services
Western Iowa Tech offers a free online application process that includes creating an account, completing the application, meeting any program-specific requirements, and scheduling an advising appointment. The college provides accommodations for students with disabilities, as well as housing options with roommate matching and themed living communities. Applicants can also apply for student housing, financial aid, and access resources such as the Residence Life Handbook and dedicated housing staff for support.
Career Services
Western Iowa Tech Community College’s Career Services Center offers in-person and virtual support for students, alumni, employers, and community members, including career assessments, resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search guidance. The center also hosts multiple career fairs each year, focusing on industries such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology, legal, and the arts. Employers and job seekers can connect through the College Central Network, which provides job postings, resume access, and career resources.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) is highly regarded for its value, supportive environment, and successful transfer pathways, but it struggles with administrative communication, transparency, and consistency across all programs.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Value and Smooth Transfer: Students frequently praise WITCC for being an affordable choice for their first two years, allowing them to “save a ton of money,” with the transfer process to four-year institutions often described as “smooth and hassle-free.”
Supportive and Dedicated Faculty: Many reviewers praise the instructors as “phenomenal teachers” who are friendly, engaging, and genuinely supportive, with the college also offering crucial resources like excellent tutors.
Community Focus and Accessibility: The college is widely seen as a community asset, offering free college credits to local high schoolers and providing classes for people of all ages, all on a nice campus.
Strong Career Programs: Graduates from programs like Police Science and Automotive Tech highly recommend the school as a great place to start a career, noting the college has always been “cutting edge.”
Common Criticisms
Major Administrative and Communication Failures: Students report being “blocked at every turn” when trying to address issues, with examples including failing to send login information and issues with the disability services staff allegedly working against student needs.
Lack of Transparency (Graduation/Laptops): Students expressed anger over being allowed to participate in graduation only to find out later they had to retake a class, and a last-minute policy change regarding the points required to keep the school-issued laptop.
Inconsistent Curriculum/Instruction: While many teachers are great, some complaints involve a lack of standardization, such as Automotive Tech students spending time building “shop cars” that did not pertain to class details.
Momentum
The momentum for WITCC is mixed. While the college continues to benefit from a strong and consistent foundation of support from satisfied alumni, particularly those who transferred, recent reviews highlight the major operational flaws related to poor administrative communication and lack of enrollment/graduation transparency. These logistical issues present the most significant current risk to prospective students.