
Central Iowa Community College, located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, began operations in 1966 as a merge of 9 school districts in order to form a community college. Prior to its formation three area junior colleges provided educational opportunities to the various counties, each operated by the local school district. In 1971 a fourth location was added in Storm Lake, which at first offered career training but has since expanded into offering full community college programs. The school also has an agreement in place with Buena Vista College to allow students to pursue a bachelor's degree. Students on this track will complete the first two years of their education at Central Iowa Community College, then complete the last two years at Buena Vista College.
Academics
As with most community colleges, Central Iowa Community College provides a large number of programs that assist in the development of career and technical skills, or allow students to begin their academic education in a low cost two year transfer program. Career and technical programs provide the skills and experience necessary to enter the workforce as professionals capable of completing tasks and duties required of entry level employees in their field of study. Academic programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education then apply for transfer to another school in order to complete their bachelor's degree. Noncredit courses are also available to individuals who wish to return to school, or simply want to explore their interests in a classroom setting.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Central Iowa Community College is an open enrollment institution, and as such has the barest minimum in regards to student enrollment requirement. Students interested in enrollment must complete the application and submit all pertinent test scores and transcripts. Some students may need to take a placement exam to determine which general education course levels they will begin with. If all requirements are met, students will be eligible for registration at the start of the subsequent semester.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of aid must obtain a Federal PIN number then complete and submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school will receive information regarding one's financial status, and may in turn request additional documentation in order to make a determination on need, eligibility and awards.
Athletics
Central Iowa Community College participates in a number of intercollegiate athletics through the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference. Athletic provides students with a variety of skills, including discipline and teamwork, which is beneficial for academic and professional success. The school's Mascot is the Triton.
Athletic programs offered:
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Marching Band
- Rodeo
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Baseball (Men Only)
- Football (Men Only)
- Wrestling (Men Only)
- Softball (Women Only)
- Volleyball (Women Only)
- Cheer Squad (Women Only)
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $9,100. 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: $4,500-$5,400
- Out-of-State: $6,700-$8,046
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $160-$200 per unit
- Out-of-State: $240-$290 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 | 95% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 90% | $4,391 |
Receiving Student Loans | 69% | $5,155 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Iowa Central Community College may offer services to students like:
- Online course work available
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 2006)
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 Iowa Central 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 Business (A)
- Turf Management (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Accounting (A, C)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (A)
- Business Administration (A)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
Communication Technology
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (A, C)
- Radio and Television Broadcasting (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Web Design (A)
- Computer Networking (C)
Construction Trades
- Carpentry (C)
Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Engineering Technology (A, C)
- Energy Management (A)
- Robotics Technology (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Healthcare Administration (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A)
- Medical Transcription
Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
- General Studies (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Body (A)
- Industrial Electronics Technology (A, C)
- Diesel Mechanic (A)
- Auto Mechanic (A)
- Industrial Mechanics (C)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts (A)
- Cosmetology (A)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
Precision Production
Public Administration and Social Services
Science Technology
- Chemical Technology (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A)
- Fire Science (A)
Transportation and Materials Moving
Visual and Performing Arts
- Commercial Photography (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Iowa Central Community College.
- Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA (48 miles away)
- Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA (62 miles away)
- Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA (71 miles away)
- North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA (71 miles away)
- Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, IA (74 miles away)