Northeast Iowa Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$7,770
In-state $6,780
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
4,808
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
47.7%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 52.3%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) stands out as a vital educational institution dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Located in Calmar, Iowa, the college serves a wide range of communities in the northeast region of the state. With a strong emphasis on student success, NICC offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certifications across numerous fields such as health sciences, business, and liberal arts. The college's core mission is encapsulated in its commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, evident in its motto: "Empowering Students and Communities." This reflects NICC's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
The campus culture at NICC is vibrant and supportive, encouraging students to participate in various extracurricular activities and organizations. From athletics to student government, there are ample opportunities for involvement that promote teamwork and leadership skills. The college also boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces, which enhance the learning experience. With a focus on practical, hands-on training, NICC prepares its graduates for successful careers, contributing to a strong local workforce. Graduates often find employment in their fields shortly after completion, thanks to the college's strong partnerships with local businesses and industries. Overall, Northeast Iowa Community College exemplifies a commitment to education, community service, and student empowerment.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention
The data from Northeast Iowa Community College reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention rates over the years. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased steadily from $5,216 in 2014 to $6,600 in 2024, indicating a cumulative increase of 26.5% over this period. This rising cost of education can be a deterrent for prospective students, especially when considering that the average student debt continues to climb nationally.
Graduation rates also show a compelling narrative. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students peaked at 38.4% in 2020 before slightly declining to 34.9% in 2023. This fluctuation may reflect the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted educational trajectories for many students. Despite this decline, the overall trend from 2013 to 2023 indicates a general improvement in graduation rates, suggesting that institutional efforts to enhance student support may be yielding positive results.
Retention rates, which measure the percentage of first-time students that continue at the institution, have also varied. After reaching a high of 67.1% in 2021, the retention rate dropped to 52.8% in 2023. This decline could signal potential issues in student engagement or satisfaction, which institutions need to address proactively to maintain enrollment levels.
Overall, while the rising tuition costs present a significant challenge, the data suggests that efforts to improve graduation rates are underway, although retention remains a critical area of concern that requires ongoing attention. Addressing these issues will be vital for the college's future success and student satisfaction.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, distant
- Nearest major city
- Madison, about 120 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 140 mi
- Also known as
- NICC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dave Dahms (Acting President)
- Phone
- 8446422338
- Address
- 1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA 52132-0400
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Northeast Iowa Community College
The graduation data from Northeast Iowa Community College reveals interesting trends and insights regarding the fields of study and the number of graduates. Notably, the health-related fields appear to dominate the graduation figures with a total of 68 graduates in Registered Nursing, marking it as the most popular program. This trend is likely reflective of the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the job market, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened awareness around public health and healthcare services.
Another area of interest is the agricultural programs, which collectively produced a significant number of graduates. The Agricultural Power Machinery Operation program, for instance, boasts 31 graduates. This suggests that the agricultural sector remains robust and vital to the local economy, particularly in regions where farming is a primary occupation.
Conversely, many programs in engineering, education, and business sectors show no graduation figures, which raises questions about enrollment and the potential need for curriculum reevaluation to attract more students. This scenario could indicate a mismatch between the job market demands and the educational offerings, emphasizing the necessity for community colleges to adapt their programs to better serve the current economic landscape.
Moreover, the absence of international students in most programs could be a concern for the institution, as diversity often enhances educational experiences. It is crucial for the college to consider strategies to attract more international students, which could enrich the academic environment and foster global perspectives among domestic students.
Overall, the data presents a mixed picture of educational outcomes, highlighting areas of strength in health and agriculture while also pointing to opportunities for growth in other fields.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $37,325 | |
| General Studies. | $37,325 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | - | |
| Agricultural Power Machinery Operation. | $62,594 | |
| Agricultural Production Operations, General. | - | |
| Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production. | - | |
| Dairy Husbandry and Production. | - | |
| Animal Sciences, General. | - | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $60,680 | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $60,680 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $60,680 | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $69,188 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - | |
| Finance, General. | - | |
| Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications. | - | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $45,193 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - | |
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Students
4,808 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59 · Freshman retention 61.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,054
- First-year undergraduates 334
- Transfers and others 3,420
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,808)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Diversity and Gender Representation at Northeast Iowa Community College
The student body composition at Northeast Iowa Community College in 2023 showcases a diverse demographic landscape, particularly in terms of gender representation. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 516 students, with a male to female ratio of 45.3% and 54.7%, indicating a slight female majority. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where out of 1,194 students, only 28.7% are male, while a significant 71.3% are female.
The data for transfer students, though smaller in number with 98 students, reflects a similar pattern, where males account for 38.8% and females for 61.2%. This consistent female majority across all undergraduate categories suggests an increasing appeal of higher education to women, which aligns with broader national trends where female enrollment in colleges continues to rise.
In terms of the overall student population, which includes 2,547 students, the gender distribution is relatively balanced with 47.8% male and 52.2% female. This indicates that while there is a notable disparity in specific categories, the total composition remains diverse.
Moreover, the breakdown of the student demographics by ethnicity reveals a significant representation of white students, which is consistent with national statistics in community colleges. However, it is important to continue fostering inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups to enhance the overall educational experience. As the landscape of higher education evolves, institutions like Northeast Iowa Community College must prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all students feel represented and supported in their academic journeys.
Age Composition of Northeast Iowa Community College Students in 2023
The age distribution of students at Northeast Iowa Community College reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. Notably, the largest age group is represented by students under 18 and those aged 18-19, accounting for 37.5% and 37.5% of the total enrollment respectively. This trend indicates a strong influx of young students, likely reflecting the institution's role as a bridge for high school graduates transitioning into higher education.
Interestingly, as the age groups increase, there is a notable decline in student numbers. For instance, students aged 20-21 make up only about 8.3% of the total enrollment, which drops further in the 22-24 age range, contributing just around 5.1%. This pattern suggests that many students may be opting for earlier entry into higher educational settings, while fewer continue their studies into their mid-twenties and beyond.
Moreover, the data highlights a significant gender disparity, particularly in the younger age brackets. The female population consistently surpasses their male counterparts in all age categories, especially among those under 18, where girls outnumber boys by a ratio of approximately 1.2 to 1. This gender trend aligns with national statistics indicating that female students are increasingly enrolling in higher education, which could be indicative of broader societal shifts toward gender equity in education.
Overall, the data from Northeast Iowa Community College demonstrates a youthful and predominantly female student demographic, reflecting both national trends and the unique characteristics of the institution. This understanding can guide future educational policies and support services tailored to the needs of this diverse student population.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northeast Iowa Community College
The data on international student enrollment at Northeast Iowa Community College reveals a significant fluctuation over the years. Starting from just 2 international students in 2004, the numbers saw a notable increase to 18 students in 2006, which represented a sharp rise to 0.38% of the total undergraduate population. However, this trend did not sustain, as numbers dipped again in subsequent years, reaching various lows such as 1 student in 2021, translating to only 0.02% of the undergraduate total.
The overall percentage of international students has remained relatively low, often below 1%, indicating that the college may not be attracting a significant number of foreign students compared to other institutions across the United States. This could be attributed to various factors, including the college's location, the range of programs offered, or increased competition from other colleges that may have more robust international recruitment strategies.
Furthermore, the global landscape for international education has been shifting, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted student mobility. As institutions worldwide adapt to these changes, it will be crucial for Northeast Iowa Community College to reassess its approach to international student recruitment. Enhancing support services, improving marketing strategies, and developing partnerships with foreign institutions could help boost its international enrollment and create a more diverse educational environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$17,070
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $7,770
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,780
- Room and board
- $9,300
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 66% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 35%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$57.5M
Expenses$53.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Other Sports | 27 | 7 |
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona · 60.7 mi
U.S. News #299
-
University of IowaIowa City · 105.9 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Grinnell CollegeGrinnell · 107.8 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Carleton CollegeNorthfield · 109.7 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield · 110.4 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 120.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison · 124.4 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter · 131.7 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Augustana CollegeRock Island · 133.7 mi
Liberal Arts #91
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Northeast Iowa Community College:
-
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - Ranked 249th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in health and science.
-
University of Iowa - A highly regarded institution with a ranking of 93, the University of Iowa offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is particularly known for its writing and arts.
-
Grinnell College - This liberal arts college is ranked 11th and is known for its rigorous academics and progressive values, fostering a close-knit community among students and faculty.
-
Carleton College - Ranked 9th, Carleton is a prestigious liberal arts college that emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison - With a rank of 35, this university is renowned for its research programs and diverse student body, offering a vibrant campus life.
These institutions provide strong academic opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Commentary on Crime Data at Northeast Iowa Community College
The crime statistics from Northeast Iowa Community College reveal a notable trend of low criminal activity over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, the college reported zero incidents, indicating a robust environment for students and staff alike. The only recorded incident occurred in 2019, resulting in a crime rate of 0.22 per 1,000 students, which is relatively insignificant when viewed within the broader context of campus safety nationally.
Such low crime rates can often be attributed to effective campus safety measures, a strong campus community, and the proactive engagement of students in maintaining a secure environment. Colleges and universities across the U.S. have been making concerted efforts to enhance safety protocols, including increased surveillance, better lighting in campus areas, and educational programs that promote awareness of personal safety and prevention of crimes like drug and alcohol-related incidents.
Moreover, the absence of serious crimes such as assault, robbery, or drug-related arrests suggests that the institution has succeeded in fostering a culture of safety and responsibility among its students. This is especially pertinent as many campuses face challenges related to substance abuse and violence, which have been highlighted in various media reports.
Overall, the data serves as a positive indicator of the college's commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment. However, it is crucial for institutions to remain vigilant and continuously improve their safety strategies to address any potential issues that could arise in the future. For more insights on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.