North Iowa Area Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$9,551
In-state $6,653
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
2,662
Student-faculty ratio 23:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
55.2%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 56.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a prominent community college located in Mason City, Iowa. Established in 1966, NIACC serves as a vital educational institution in the region, providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. The college offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various fields such as health sciences, business, technology, and liberal arts. With a commitment to individual student success, NIACC focuses on comprehensive support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, which contribute to high graduation and transfer rates.
The campus environment at NIACC is vibrant and inclusive, fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. The college encourages student engagement through numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that promote leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. NIACC's commitment to athletics is also noteworthy, with various intercollegiate sports teams that compete in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference, contributing to school spirit and camaraderie. Furthermore, the college emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development, offering community education programs and workshops that cater to the needs of local residents. With a focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and student support, North Iowa Area Community College continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of its students and the surrounding community.
Analysis of Key Metrics at North Iowa Area Community College
North Iowa Area Community College has experienced significant changes in several critical metrics over the past decade. One of the most notable trends is the steady increase in tuition fees, both for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, in-state tuition was $4,613, which has risen to $6,196 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 34%. Out-of-state tuition has seen a similar trend, climbing from $6,529 to $8,884 in the same period, a rise of about 36%. This trend reflects a broader national phenomenon where college costs have been increasing, putting financial pressure on students and families.
Another concerning metric is the decline in undergraduate enrollment. The student population has decreased from 3,279 in 2013 to 2,479 in 2023, representing a decline of around 24%. This decrease could be indicative of wider trends in higher education, where many institutions are grappling with enrollment challenges due to factors such as demographic shifts and changing perceptions of the value of a college degree.
Conversely, the retention rate appears to be improving, increasing from about 59% in 2013 to approximately 72% in 2023. This upward trend suggests that while fewer students are enrolling, those who do are more likely to remain at the institution, which may signify improvements in student satisfaction or support services.
Lastly, the graduation rates have shown a positive trajectory. The on-time graduation rate has improved from 26% in 2014 to 46% in 2023, reflecting enhancements in academic programs and student support that assist students in completing their degrees in a timely manner. This increase is crucial for the institution's reputation and for students' future employment prospects.
In summary, while tuition costs continue to rise and enrollment numbers decline, improvements in retention and graduation rates suggest that North Iowa Area Community College is making strides in enhancing student experiences and outcomes.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Des Moines, about 110 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 120 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Joel Pedersen (President)
- Phone
- 6414231264
- City
- Mason City, Iowa
- Address
- 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data at North Iowa Area Community College
The data from North Iowa Area Community College for 2023 reveals significant trends in the graduation rates across various programs. Notably, the field of Registered Nursing stands out with a remarkable 47 graduates, indicating a strong demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend reflects the national emphasis on nursing programs, as healthcare continues to be a critical area for workforce development.
Conversely, several programs, particularly in the fields of criminal justice and agriculture, reported zero graduates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. This raises questions about the attractiveness and effectiveness of these programs in preparing students for the workforce, especially given the current societal focus on public safety and agricultural sustainability.
In the realm of international students, the data shows a lack of graduates in all categories, suggesting potential barriers that might be discouraging international enrollment in these programs. This is concerning, as international perspectives can enhance the educational environment and prepare domestic students for a global workforce.
Moreover, the data reveals a strong performance in technical fields, with significant graduation numbers in areas such as Automotive Mechanics and Diesel Mechanics, which are essential for maintaining a robust economy. The emphasis on practical skills and technical education is crucial as industries evolve and require a skilled workforce.
Overall, the graduation data highlights a mix of strengths and weaknesses across different programs, necessitating a strategic review to enhance program appeal and effectiveness in meeting workforce demands.
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. | $32,847 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | - | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $72,123 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | $44,747 | |
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $47,129 | |
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $47,129 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - | |
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |
| Insurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Economics. | - | |
| Agricultural/Farm Supplies Retailing and Wholesaling. | - | |
| Agricultural Production Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - | |
| Computer Support Specialist. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
Students
2,662 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 66.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 634
- First-year undergraduates 544
- Transfers and others 1,484
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,662)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at North Iowa Area Community College in 2023
The data from North Iowa Area Community College for the year 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the student demographics. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 535, with a notable gender distribution where 53.5% are male and 46.5% are female. This indicates a relatively balanced gender representation among new students, which is encouraging as it reflects a broader trend in higher education where institutions strive for gender equity.
For undergraduate continuing students, there are 771 individuals, but a significant gender disparity is observed, with 39.4% male and 60.6% female. This shift towards a higher female representation among continuing students suggests a possible trend of females being more likely to persist in their studies at this institution.
The data for transfer students shows that there are 64 individuals, also leaning slightly towards a female majority at 57.8%. This could imply that female students not only enroll but also choose to transfer to North Iowa Area Community College at higher rates.
Finally, the total number of non-degree-seeking students stands at 1,109, with a fairly equal gender ratio of 46.3% male and 53.7% female. This demographic likely reflects individuals seeking to advance their skills without committing to a full degree.
Overall, the student composition at North Iowa Area Community College demonstrates a dynamic landscape, where gender representation varies significantly among different categories of students. Institutions like North Iowa are important in contributing to the diversity and accessibility of higher education, catering to a wide range of student needs and backgrounds.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at North Iowa Area Community College
The age distribution data from North Iowa Area Community College reveals distinct patterns in student demographics, particularly among undergraduates. The most significant group comprises students under 18 years old, with 245 male and 366 female students, indicating a strong presence of younger learners. This trend mirrors the broader educational landscape where early college programs are increasingly popular, allowing high school students to earn college credits.
As we move into the 18-19 age bracket, there is a notable increase in enrollment, with 531 male students and 489 female students. This age group reflects the traditional college entry age, suggesting that many students transition directly from high school to higher education. However, the enrollment sharply declines for the 20-21 age range, with only 199 males and 184 females, indicating a potential gap in retention or the possibility that students may be taking time off or pursuing different pathways.
The data further illustrates a consistent decline in enrollment as age increases, with significantly fewer students in the 22-24 age range (52 males and 90 females) and even lower numbers in the 25-29 age group (36 males and 83 females). This trend could be indicative of several factors, including the challenges of balancing work and study or the decision to enter the workforce instead of continuing education.
Interestingly, the presence of one male student over 65 years old highlights the diversity of the student body, suggesting that lifelong learning is valued within this community. Overall, the data indicates a youthful student demographic with a pronounced drop-off in enrollment post-18, pointing towards potential areas for institutional focus to improve retention and support for older students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
59 in 2025 · 1.4% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at North Iowa Area Community College
The enrollment data for international students at North Iowa Area Community College reveals interesting trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students has generally increased, peaking at 3,729 in 2010. However, the percentage of international students has shown considerable fluctuation throughout this period.
In the early years, international student enrollment was quite low, with percentages hovering around or below 1%. Notably, 2014 marked a significant turning point as the proportion of international students reached 1.00%, indicating a growing trend in attracting students from abroad. The numbers continued to rise, peaking at 2.21% in 2018, which reflects a broader trend in U.S. higher education where institutions actively seek to diversify their student bodies.
However, the years following 2018 have shown a decline in both the total number of students and the percentage of international students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global travel and education. In 2020, the percentage dipped slightly to 1.83%, and it continued to decline to 1.05% in 2022. The slight rebound in 2023, where the percentage climbed back to 1.65%, suggests a potential recovery in international student interest.
Overall, while North Iowa Area Community College has seen growth in its international student enrollment over the years, external factors such as global crises and changing immigration policies can significantly impact these trends. Continuous efforts to support and attract international students will be crucial for the college's future diversity and growth.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$17,551
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $9,551
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,653
- Room and board
- $8,000
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 40% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 23%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$59.7M
Expenses$53.3M
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 74 | 61 |
| Soccer | 39 | 23 |
| Baseball | 55 | - |
| Wrestling | 29 | 12 |
| Basketball | 20 | 13 |
| Golf | 11 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 73 | 72 |
| Baseball | 46 | - |
| Wrestling | 28 | 18 |
| Soccer | 25 | 18 |
| Basketball | 15 | 15 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Golf | 7 | 4 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 59 | 41 |
| Soccer | 32 | 20 |
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Wrestling | 29 | 11 |
| Basketball | 18 | 17 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | 9 | 5 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 82.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield · 90.2 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Carleton CollegeNorthfield · 90.2 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter · 90.9 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona · 94.5 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Grinnell CollegeGrinnell · 99.6 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 110.7 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Macalester CollegeSaint Paul · 123.1 mi
Liberal Arts #28
-
University of St Thomas (MN)Saint Paul · 123.5 mi
U.S. News #156
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near North Iowa Area Community College:
-
Iowa State University - Ranked 115 in the 2024 US News rankings, Iowa State University is a comprehensive university known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and business programs.
-
St. Olaf College - This liberal arts college is ranked 51 and is renowned for its music program and vibrant campus life.
-
Carleton College - Ranked 9th, Carleton College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and supportive community.
-
Grinnell College - With a rank of 11, Grinnell College emphasizes a strong liberal arts education and has a commitment to social justice.
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison - This comprehensive university is ranked 35 and is known for its research programs and vibrant campus life.
These institutions offer a range of programs and experiences that cater to different academic interests and career goals.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at North Iowa Area Community College
The crime data from North Iowa Area Community College over the years presents a fluctuating trend in reported incidents. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked in 2013 at 6.95 but has generally shown a downward trend, reaching a low of 2.49 in 2020. This significant reduction could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus security measures, increased awareness programs, and changes in student behavior due to external circumstances, such as the global pandemic, which limited campus activities.
In the years following 2020, however, there was a slight resurgence in crime rates, with the average returning to 5.08 in 2023. This increase might indicate a return to normal campus life and activities, which often correlates with an uptick in reported incidents. The data indicates a notable absence of serious offenses such as murder, rape, and armed robbery on campus, which is encouraging and suggests a relatively safe environment for students.
The types of offenses primarily reported include drug-related arrests and alcohol-related incidents, which are common in many college settings. The community and the institution may consider implementing further preventive measures, such as educational workshops on substance abuse and mental health support, to address these issues proactively.
Overall, while the crime rates at North Iowa Area Community College have shown some improvement, ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies are essential to maintain a safe learning environment. For further details on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.