Northwest Iowa Community College records their second largest fall class enrollment in the institution’s history dating back to 1966. The enrollment figure reflects a 2.68% increase in credits compared to the previous year.
While the 1,792 enrolled students represent a slight decrease of approximately 1.05% from the record-breaking Fall 2022 enrollment of 1,811, it’s important to note that this year’s class surpasses the third-highest fall enrollment record, which occurred in the fall of 2019 with 1,777 students.
NCC offers multiple terms and start dates throughout the year, making Fall enrollment just one data point in its academic calendar. An equally significant figure is the total, unduplicated headcount recorded at the end of the entire academic year. For example, in August 2023, concluding the 2022-2023 academic year, NCC achieved a total enrollment of 2,778 a 3% increase over the 2021-2022 academic year (2,701 total students for 2021-2022).
Kristin Kollbaum, Director of Marketing & Communications at NCC, stated, “This year’s fall class may be the second-largest incoming class in NCC’s history, but it signifies the highest level of credits ever taken from NCC. This indicates an increase in students pursuing full-time coursework compared to the previous year. Furthermore, it represents a 10% increase in enrollments over the past decade, underlining NCC’s strong commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible programs that align with the needs of Northwest Iowans.”
NCC has a proud track record of providing access, quality instruction, and success for its alumni in Northwest Iowa. NCC boasts the best graduation rate in Iowa, an impressive 62.4% (compared to the national average of 22% and the state average in Iowa of 40.2%). Additionally, NCC students achieve the best Success Rates in the state at 66.8%. The institution’s combined credit and non-credit penetration rate ranks fifth in the state at 9.9%, and students’ federal loan default rates are the lowest in Iowa at 1.5% (Iowa Department of Education Profile Report, 2022).
These statistics reflect NCC’s brand statement, “Your Success is Our Story,” and demonstrate the institution’s dedication to fostering a culture of success for its students. Students choose NCC because they gain access to one of the nation’s top community colleges, receive quality instruction, experience a culture of student success, and have access to relevant programs that lead to fulfilling job opportunities after graduation.
NCC has received several national recognitions, including:
Top 10 Community College in the Nation, Aspen Institute
#2 in the Nation for Career Outcomes, WalletHub.com
#3 in the Nation for Best Overall Community College, WalletHub.com
#6 – Top 10 Associate-Granting Public Institutions in the US by Median Lifetime Return on Investment (ROI), Bipartisan Policy Center
#9 – Top 10 Higher Education Institutions in Iowa by Median Lifetime Return on Investment (ROI), Bipartisan Policy Center
