
About
Hawkeye Community College, located in Waterloo, Iowa, was founded in 1966 when it was known as the Hawkeye Institute of Technology and established to replace the Waterloo Area Vocational School. The school became a community college in 1992, adding liberal arts and science courses, this resulted in a name change to the current the following year.
HCC's service area includes all or part of the counties of Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Fayette, Floyd, Grundy and Tama. In order to ensure that the areas are properly covered, the school operates several centers located in Cedar Falls, Independence, Grundy County, Waverly and Waterloo.
Academics
Hawkeye Community College offers a variety programs designed to provide academic and career opportunities for enrolled students. Career and technical programs offer an education in a given field with the purpose of developing the skills and abilities necessary for entry into the workforce as a professional.
Students will participate in mix of traditional and practical courses, with practical courses simulating real world environments designed to assist in the perfection of skills and methods often used in one's chosen field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the obtaining of entry level employment.
Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education, after which transfer is achieved by applying to a four year institution in order to complete the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree.
Transfer to public Iowa institutions is made easier through agreements in place that guarantee admission to students that meet specific academic requirements. Transfer to out of state or private institutions will have varying requirements, and students desiring to do so should meet with a counselor to discuss curriculum and options.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Hawkeye Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individual to enroll by supplying an application for admission and paying associated fees. Individuals should be at least eighteen years of age or older or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Prospective Hawkeye students should supply transcripts and standardized test scores if available, and may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. Students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine need and aid program eligibility for the student. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $10,000. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $4,300-$5,100
- Out-of-State: $5,000-$5,947
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $160-$190 per unit
- Out-of-State: $190-$220 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 84% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 59% | $4,252 |
Receiving Student Loans | 59% | $5,080 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Hawkeye Community College may offer services to students including:
- Distance learning
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care for children
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1968)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1978)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Hawkeye Community College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Agricultural Supplies, Retailing and Wholesaling (A, C)
- Animal Husbandry and Production (A, C)
- Agricultural Power Machinery Operation (A)
- Horticulture (A, C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Sales Manager (A)
- Executive Assistant (A, C)
- Human Resources (A)
- Accounting (A, C)
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
Communication Technology
- Graphic Communications (A)
Communications and Journalism
- Multimedia (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Networking (A, C)
- Computer Information Technology Services Administration and Management (A)
- Web Design (A)
Construction Trades
- Carpentry (A)
Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A, C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (A, C)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Energy Management (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Auto Mechanic (A)
- Auto Body (A, C)
- Diesel Mechanic (A)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (A, C)
Precision Production
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Bus and Truck Driver (C)
- Construction, Heavy Equipment Operation (C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Commercial Photography (A)
- Interior Design (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Hawkeye Community College.
- Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, IA (42 miles away)
- Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA (48 miles away)
- Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA (49 miles away)
- Northeast Iowa Community College - Calmar in Calmar, IA (57 miles away)
- North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA (64 miles away)