
About
Kirkwood Community College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was founded in 1966 through the support of the community and the need for higher education in the area. Today the school serves seven counties and maintains a large student enrollment through its multiple campuses, which include locations in Iowa City, Belle Plaine, Marion, Monticello, Vinton, Washington,Williamsburg and Tipton. The school is named after Samuel J. Kirkwood, who was governor of Iowa during the Civil War and an abolitionist. The school offers career and transfer programs alongside continuing education and adult education programs to ensure that community needs are met.
Academics
Students at Kirkwood Community College may choose from programs that allow for assist in workforce development through training in a high demand field academic transfer to pursue higher levels of education. Workforce development assists in local job growth by providing career training programs that are aimed at providing skill development and education for the purpose of entering the workforce as a professional upon completion. Courses are often offered through a mix of traditional classroom and practical settings, providing theory as well as practice in regards to the types of activities and skills necessary in order to be considered for employment. Practical courses are supervised by experienced industry professionals. Programs typically take two years to complete, and upon completion give students a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the procurement of employment by bolstering employer conference.
Academic transfer is accomplished through a two year program that mirrors the course of study and curriculum a student pursuing a bachelor's degree would take, after which the student will apply to a four year college or university, and if accepted, enter as a junior in order to complete the final two years of their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Students who apply to a public college or university in the state of Iowa will find the requirements for transfer eased through agreements in place, facilitating the intrastate admissions process. Transfer to out of state or private institutions will have separate requirements that should be discussed with a counselor in order to develop an appropriate curriculum.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Kirkwood Community College is a public, two year open enrollment institution that is dedicated to providing postsecondary educational opportunities for all interested residents in its service area, and as such any individuals who wish to enroll may do so by completing an application for admission and paying all accrued fees, as well as provide any previous transcripts and standardized test scores if available. Students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration, and are also encouraged to meet with a counselor and participate in orientation prior to their first semester.
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 provided within which will be used by the school to determine the extent of one's needs and aid program eligibility when constructing his or her aid packet. Financial aid must be reapplied for every year and should be applied for prior to any posted deadlines to ensure funds are disbursed in a timely manner.
Athletics
The Kirkwood Community College Eagles participate in intercollegiate athletics through the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Athletic programs provide an excellent forum for students to excel outside of the classroom while learning valuable skills such as leaderships, discipline and teamwork. Student who wish to participate must maintain a minimum passing GPA and must be ready to invest time outside of their normal school schedule for practices. Interested students should complete the form necessary to begin the tryout and participation process.
Athletic programs offered:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Golf
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $8,700. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $4,400-$5,300
- Out-of-State: $5,300-$6,408
- Charges per unit:
- In-State: $150-$180 per unit
- Out-of-State: $180-$210 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 | 85% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 61% | $5,016 |
Receiving Student Loans | 53% | $4,476 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Kirkwood Community College may provide services like:
- Distance learning
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how this school compares against other community colleges in Linn County and the community colleges in Iowa as a whole.
Kirkwood Community College | Linn County | Iowa | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 19.7% | 19.8% | 29.0% |
Transfer-out Rate | 7.1% | 7.1% | 19.8% |
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 1999)
- Dental Laboratory Technician Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1969)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1970)
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 Kirkwood 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 Production Operations (A, C)
- Agricultural Supplies, Retailing and Wholesaling (A)
- Animal Health (C)
- Turf Management (A)
- Agricultural Power Machinery Operation (A)
- Floriculture, Floristry Operations and Management (C)
- Horse Husbandry, Equine Science and Management (A, C)
- Applied Horticulture, Horticultural Business Services (A)
- Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services (A)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biotechnology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Accounting (A)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Construction Management (A)
- Advertising and Marketing (A, C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
- Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations (A)
- Finance (A)
Communication Technology
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (A)
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications (A, C)
- System Administration (A, C)
- Computer Support Specialist (A)
- Web Design (A, C)
- Computer Information Technology Services Administration and Management (A, C)
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (A, C)
Construction Trades
Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Automation Engineer Technician (A)
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (A, C)
- Telecommunications Technology (A)
- Energy Management (A)
- Architectural Drafting cad (A)
- Recycling Technology (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
- Dental Assistant (A, C)
- Surgical Technologist (A, C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Health Management and Clinical Assistant (A)
- Pharmacy Technician (C)
- Electroneurodiagnostic, Electroencephalographic Technology (A)
- Dental Laboratory Technology (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A, C)
- Medical Transcription (C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Body (C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Diesel Mechanic (A)
- Auto Mechanic (A)
- Mechanics and Repairers (A, C)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Personal and Culinary Services
Precision Production
- Machinist (A, C)
- Welding (A, C)
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)
Public Administration and Social Services
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Science (A, C)
- Police Science (A)
- Fire Prevention (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Interior Design (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Kirkwood Community College.
- Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA (49 miles away)
- Eastern Iowa Community College District in Davenport, IA (62 miles away)
- Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, IA (65 miles away)
- Black Hawk College in Moline, IL (69 miles away)
- Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA (72 miles away)