Northwest Iowa Community College: Tuition Fees, Courses & Admission Process

Northwest Iowa Community College: Tuition Fees, Courses & Admission Process

Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) is a two-year public college located in Sheldon, Iowa. With a focus on academic excellence and student success, NCC provides an accessible and affordable education. 

Introduction to Northwest Iowa Community College

Established in 1966, Northwest Iowa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. NCC offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across its main campus in Sheldon and its regional centers.

The main campus in Sheldon sits on 120 acres and has modern facilities including a library, theater, wellness center, student apartments, and more. NCC also has regional centers in Cherokee, Denison, Le Mars, and Sioux Center.

NCC provides programs in agriculture, arts, business, health sciences, industrial technologies, and more. There are also transfer degree options. Popular majors include nursing, business, agriculture, and construction.

Northwest Iowa Community College Tuition Fees

As an Iowa community college, NCC offers very affordable tuition:

  • In-state: $168 per credit hour  
  • Out-of-state: $168 per credit hour
  • International: $210 per credit hour

That equals about $5,040 for a full-time semester. NCC also charges fees of $17 per credit hour. Books and supplies cost around $1,200 annually. NCC provides financial aid opportunities.

Academic Offerings

NCC confers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career-focused and transfer majors:

Associate Degrees

NCC awards 

  • Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Associate in Science (AS)
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS) 
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees.  

Diplomas 

NCC offers diplomas in programs like 

  • Building trades
  • Early childhood education
  • Electrical technology
  • Office management, and more.

Certificates

NCC has certificate programs that provide concentrated training in areas like accounting, agriculture, business management, computer aided design, IT, welding, and more.

Student Experience at NCC

Along with its academics, NCC offers:

  • New student orientation  
  • Academic advising, tutoring, and career services
  • Library and learning support centers
  • Over 20 student clubs and organizations, such as Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa, and Ag Club
  • Athletic programs including NJCAA Division II sports
  • Theater productions and music groups
  • Student apartments, cafe, and recreation center

Admissions Requirements

NCC maintains an open enrollment policy for students who have: 

  • Completed an application
  • Paid $10 application fee
  • Provided high school transcripts
  • Completed admissions testing
  • Verified residency for tuition purposes
  • Applied for financial aid through FAFSA
  • Completed orientation and advising
  • Submitted any prior college transcripts

NCC has rolling admissions throughout the year.

How To Apply to Northwest Iowa Community College 

Key steps to applying to NCC include:

1. Submit the online application form 

2. Pay the $10 application fee

3. Send official high school transcripts

4. Complete placement testing 

5. Submit any prior college transcripts 

6. Verify residency for tuition purposes

7. Apply for financial aid through FAFSA

8. Complete orientation and advising

With small class sizes, career-focused training, and an affordable education, Northwest Iowa Community College is a leading community college choice.