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Public, 2-year

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, Iowa · ecc.iavalley.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$6,504

In-state $5,496

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

685

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

42.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 43.9%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Ellsworth Community College, located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, is a prominent institution that offers a diverse range of educational programs and services tailored to meet the needs of its students. As part of the Iowa Community College System, Ellsworth is dedicated to providing accessible and affordable education while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The college prides itself on its strong emphasis on student success, offering personalized academic advising, tutoring resources, and a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance the overall student experience.

One of the standout features of Ellsworth Community College is its commitment to vocational training and community engagement. The college offers numerous technical and vocational programs, preparing students for the workforce and meeting the demands of local industries. Additionally, the campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, which contribute to a vibrant learning atmosphere. The college also emphasizes the importance of athletics, encouraging students to participate in various sports teams, fostering teamwork and school spirit. With a focus on holistic education, Ellsworth Community College prepares its graduates not only for successful careers but also for lifelong learning and community involvement.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Ellsworth Community College

Ellsworth Community College has exhibited notable trends in various educational metrics over the years, which can provide insights into its operational effectiveness and student engagement. One of the most striking changes is the tuition fees, which have consistently increased for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, in 2014, in-state tuition was $4,176, which climbed to $5,304 by 2024, reflecting a rise of approximately 27%. This trend in rising tuition is consistent with the national pattern seen across many public institutions, often driven by decreased state funding and increased operational costs.

Simultaneously, student enrollment has shown a declining trend, dropping from 1,100 in 2013 to just 718 in 2023. This decrease of about 35% may correlate with the rising costs of education, making it increasingly difficult for prospective students to afford college. The retention rate, which is an indicator of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness, has varied but exhibited a generally positive trend. It peaked at around 59% in 2022, indicating that a higher percentage of students are choosing to stay at the college, despite the overall decline in enrollment numbers.

Moreover, graduation rates have shown some fluctuation, with the on-time graduation rate improving from about 20% in 2014 to 27% in 2023. This improvement, albeit modest, suggests that the college may be implementing effective strategies to support student success, even as enrollment numbers dwindle.

The student-to-faculty ratio, which has decreased from 27:1 in 2013 to 15:1 in 2023, indicates an effort to enhance educational quality by providing more personalized attention to students. This is crucial as smaller class sizes are often associated with better educational outcomes, potentially attracting students despite rising tuition costs.

In conclusion, while Ellsworth Community College faces challenges such as increasing tuition and declining enrollment, its efforts to improve retention, graduation rates, and faculty engagement appear to be positive steps towards enhancing its educational offerings and student experiences.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Des Moines, about 70 mi
Nearest international airport
Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 70 mi
Iowa Falls, Iowa
Also known as
Iowa Valley Community College District
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Barb Klein (Provost)
Phone
8003229235
City
Iowa Falls, Iowa
Address
1100 College Ave, Iowa Falls, IA 50126

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate18816 international (8.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
53
Business Administration and Management, General
23
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
22
Agriculture, General
19
Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
16
Psychology, General
9
Elementary Education and Teaching
7
Natural Resources/Conservation, General
5
Secondary Education and Teaching
5
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
5

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Ellsworth Community College

The graduation data from Ellsworth Community College reveals intriguing trends in degree completion across various fields of study for the year 2023. Notably, the Liberal Arts and Sciences program stands out with a remarkable total of 69 graduates, which constitutes approximately 38% of the total associate degrees reported. This highlights the program's popularity and its vital role in providing a foundational education for many students.

In contrast, fields such as Agriculture and Health Sciences show a diverse range of outputs. The Registered Nursing program had 18 graduates, indicating a steady interest in healthcare professions. However, other agricultural programs like Agricultural Production Operations and Horse Husbandry had considerably lower graduation numbers, suggesting a potential mismatch between job market demands and student enrollment in these specialized areas.

Interestingly, there are no reported graduates for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees across the board, indicating that the school primarily caters to students seeking associate degrees. This could reflect a growing trend in higher education where students are opting for shorter, more focused programs to enter the workforce quickly, especially in the wake of economic uncertainties.

Furthermore, the data shows that international students contributed to the graduation numbers, albeit minimally, with only a handful graduating in various associate programs. This suggests a potential area for growth, as increasing the enrollment of international students in diverse fields could enhance the educational experience and institutional reputation.

Overall, while the data indicates robust completion rates in certain programs, it also highlights areas that may require strategic development to better align with industry needs and attract a broader student demographic.

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

Liberal arts has 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$29,737
General Studies.$29,737
Agricultural has 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agriculture, General.-
Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management.-
Agricultural Production Operations, Other.-
Pre-Veterinary Studies.-
Businesshas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Health professionshas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$67,150
Educationhas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Secondary Education and Teaching.-
Psychology has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Natural resources has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Natural Resources/Conservation, General.-
Biologyhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Graphic Design.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Engineeringhas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Public administrationhas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Social Work.-
Communication has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-

Students

685 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 63.8%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (685)

White
479 · 69.9%
Black
85 · 12.4%
Hispanic
43 · 6.3%
International
33 · 4.8%
Two or more races
22 · 3.2%
Unknown
16 · 2.3%
Asian
4 · 0.6%

Data insights

Student Composition at Ellsworth Community College in 2023

In 2023, Ellsworth Community College showcases a diverse student body with notable gender distribution and ethnic representation. The undergraduate new students constitute a significant portion of the enrollment, with 251 students, where males account for 53% and females for 47%. This slight male majority reflects a broader trend observed in many community colleges, where male enrollment can sometimes exceed female numbers.

The undergraduate continuing students present an even split between genders, with 260 students, demonstrating a balanced environment conducive to collaboration and diverse perspectives. This gender balance is essential in fostering a supportive learning atmosphere that encourages participation from all students.

Interestingly, the undergraduate transfer students, though fewer in number at 49, reveal a different dynamic with a higher female representation at 57.1%. This shift could be indicative of broader societal trends where more women are pursuing higher education and transitioning from other institutions.

Moreover, the overall demographic breakdown of students reveals a significant presence of white students, alongside other ethnic groups. This variation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in educational settings. The college's commitment to diversity is crucial in preparing students for a multicultural workforce, reflecting the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in higher education.

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it is vital for institutions like Ellsworth Community College to adapt and respond to these demographic shifts, ensuring that all students have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Ellsworth Community College

The age distribution data from Ellsworth Community College reveals interesting insights into the demographic composition of its student body. A significant portion of the students fall under the age of 18, with 35.3% being male and 64.7% female. This indicates a strong presence of younger students, particularly within the traditional college age bracket.

In the 18-19 age group, there is a notable balance, with 55.9% male and 44.1% female representation. This demographic is crucial as it represents the first-time college entrants who are transitioning from high school to higher education. The data shows a sharp decline in enrollment among students aged 20-21, where only 71% of the total students are undergraduates, highlighting a potential gap in retention or a shift in education paths as students move beyond the typical college age.

The trend continues with fewer students in older age categories, such as those aged 22-24 and 25-29. The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30-34 and above, is minimal, indicating that the college may primarily attract younger learners. This can reflect broader trends in community colleges, which often serve as accessible entry points for those pursuing higher education immediately after high school.

Furthermore, the data shows that the college has no graduate male students and only a few female graduate students, emphasizing the need for community colleges to strengthen graduate programs if they aim to support advanced education.

Overall, the age composition at Ellsworth Community College highlights a predominance of traditional-age students, which is a common characteristic for many community colleges across the United States. As educational needs evolve, it may be beneficial for the institution to explore strategies to engage older and graduate-level students more effectively.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates4.8%

33 in 2025 · 1.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.7%2017: 1.5%2018: 1.5%2019: 2.0%2020: 3.1%2021: 2.1%2022: 2.5%2023: 3.8%2024: 4.5%2025: 4.8%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Ellsworth Community College

The data from Ellsworth Community College reveals an interesting trend in the enrollment of international students over the years. Starting in 2006, the number of international students was minimal, with only one student representing 0.12% of the undergraduate population. However, there has been a notable increase in both the absolute number of international students and their percentage share in subsequent years.

By 2023, the number of international students reached 27, making up approximately 3.76% of the total undergraduate enrollment. This growth reflects a significant shift in the college's appeal to international students, likely influenced by the increasing globalization of education. Factors contributing to this trend may include enhanced recruitment strategies, improvements in academic programs, and a supportive environment for international students.

The peak enrollment year appears to be 2020, where the percentage surged to 3.10%, suggesting that this was a pivotal moment for the college. However, the subsequent years exhibited fluctuations, which may correlate with external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted global student mobility.

While the data does not provide information on graduate students, the increasing percentage of international undergraduates indicates a growing diversity within the college community. This trend is vital not only for enriching the academic environment but also for fostering cross-cultural understanding among students. Continued efforts to support and attract international students will be crucial for the future growth and global engagement of Ellsworth Community College.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$15,504

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$6,504
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,496
Room and board
$9,000
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 25% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 48%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$21.0M

Government grants and contracts
$13.8M66.0%
Tuition and fees
$3.0M14.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.0M9.8%
Gifts and private grants
$760K3.6%
Investment return
$421K2.0%
Other
$941K4.5%

Expenses$18.5M

Instruction
$5.3M28.9%
Institutional support
$3.3M17.9%
Scholarships
$2.8M15.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.6M8.7%
Student services
$1.3M7.3%
Academic support
$1.3M7.2%
Other
$2.8M15.0%

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.

All faculty
$70,257peers $68,588
Professor
$77,345peers $79,972
Associate professor
$71,399peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$60,652peers $62,785
Instructor
$53,341peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Football102-
Baseball49-
Basketball2113
Wrestling1311
Softball-22
Volleyball-9
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Football110-
Wrestling2720
Baseball43-
Basketball2011
Softball-16
Volleyball-12
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Football116-
Baseball36-
Basketball2210
Softball-17
Volleyball-14
Wrestling103

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some noteworthy schools near Ellsworth Community College:

  1. Iowa State University - Ranked 115 in the 2024 US News rankings, Iowa State University is a comprehensive university known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.

  2. Grinnell College - With an impressive rank of 11, Grinnell College is a liberal arts college that emphasizes critical thinking and social responsibility, offering a rigorous academic environment.

  3. University of Iowa - Ranked 93, the University of Iowa is renowned for its strong programs in writing, healthcare, and the arts, making it a prominent comprehensive university in the state.

  4. Drake University - This university is ranked 178 and is well-regarded for its law school and strong business programs, offering students a blend of liberal arts education and professional preparation.

  5. Carleton College - Ranked 9, Carleton College is a highly selective liberal arts college that provides a challenging and supportive academic environment, fostering intellectual growth.

  6. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - With a rank of 53, this comprehensive university is recognized for its extensive research opportunities and varied academic programs across multiple disciplines.

These institutions offer a wide range of educational opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
21
Drug referrals
11
Rape
2
Fondling
2
Weapons referrals
1
Dating violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Ellsworth Community College

The crime statistics at Ellsworth Community College reveal a significant fluctuation in the rates of various offenses over the years. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked in 2015 at 27.40, indicating a troubling trend during that period. However, a dramatic decline is observed in the subsequent years, especially from 2020 onwards, where the rates dropped to 11.61 in 2020 and further down to just 8.08 in 2023. This downward trajectory in crime rates is encouraging and reflects positively on the college's efforts towards enhancing campus safety.

Examining the specific types of crimes, it appears that arrests related to drugs and alcohol have been a consistent concern throughout the years. While firearms-related arrests have seen a decrease, the college still faces challenges with substance-related offenses. The persistent issue of domestic violence and dating crimes also warrants attention, as these crimes can significantly affect the campus environment and students' well-being.

In contrast with national trends, where many colleges report rising crime rates, Ellsworth Community College's reduction is noteworthy. This could suggest effective crime prevention strategies or community initiatives that promote safety awareness among students. As the college continues to focus on maintaining a secure environment, ongoing assessments and adaptations of safety protocols will be essential.

For further insights into crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Ellsworth Community College include Ben Clyde (Former basketball player), Andre Tippett (Former NFL linebacker for the Patriots) and Larry Knight (Basketball player, 20th pick in 1979 NBA draft).

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.