The best community colleges in Iowa with student housing provide affordable living options for students pursuing their degrees. As higher education costs continue to rise, many Generation Z students seek alternatives to traditional four-year colleges. A notable trend is the emergence of community colleges that offer on-campus housing, which ranges from dormitories to partnerships with nearby housing facilities.
Given the increasing expenses associated with four-year colleges and the limited availability of affordable housing, Online Schools Guide believes that community college dorms are a wise choice. We recognize your desire for a fulfilling and affordable education, so we’re highlighting these two-year institutions offering amenities similar to those at four-year colleges.
During our research on community colleges with dorms in Iowa, our team was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant student life these schools foster. Available amenities often include dormitories, dining halls, and sports teams without the high price tag usually associated with traditional four-year schools. Opting for a community college with on-campus housing can save you thousands of dollars in housing costs alone. Additionally, most of these colleges offer at least one applied bachelor’s degree program, which we will discuss in a future post.
Contents:
- List of Two-Year Colleges in Iowa with Campus Housing
- 1. Iowa Lakes Community College
- 2. Iowa Central Community College
- 3. Indian Hills Community College
- 4. Northwest Iowa Community College
- 5. North Iowa Area Community College
- 6. Southwestern Community College
- 7. Ellsworth Community College
- 8. Iowa Western Community College
- How Many Community Colleges Have Dorms?
- Why are there so Many Community Colleges with Dorms in Iowa?
- Cost of Community College Dorms Versus Traditional College Dorms?
- What are the Pros of Living in Campus Housing at a Community College?
List of Two-Year Colleges in Iowa with Campus Housing
The Iowa Department of Education oversees the state’s community college system. Iowa’s community colleges are overseen by locally elected boards of directors, which consist of five to nine members elected for four-year terms. Each community college provides a wide range of educational programs. All Iowans of postsecondary school age are eligible to enroll in any of the community colleges. Additionally, community colleges offer special programs for students attending local high schools.
The availability of community colleges with dorms in Iowa can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the community college. It’s best to directly contact the community colleges you’re interested in to inquire about their student housing options.
1. Iowa Lakes Community College
Location: Campuses in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer, and Spirit Lake IOWA
Website: Iowa Lakes Community College
Housing: The Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer campuses offer housing options. All on-campus housing facilities are supervised by the housing director and have onsite managers. Emmetsburg and Estherville housing and food service is $3,675 per semester. The cost includes living in the dorms and a 15 meal plan which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday-Friday at Dining Services. Meal plans with more meals are available for an increased price. Spencer student housing starts at $6,710 per year with a 10 meal per week plan, for lunch and dinner only.
All students receive a free membership to the Wellness Center on the Emmetsburg Campus that boasts an indoor Pool & Sauna, Weight Room, Racquetball Court, and Fitness Classes.
Meals: Iowa Lakes has dining services on the Emmetsburg, Estherville, and Spencer campuses. The Emmetsburg Campus also has The Laker Café with a full-service snack bar and lunch. Additionally, Emmetsburg students can also order lunch items (wraps and pizzas) from the Culinary & Hospitality Management program.
On Campus Degree Pick: Iowa is the nation’s premier leader in the renewable energy industry. And our on-campus degree pick is the AAS in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology. Additionally, the school offers a variety of music classes, performance groups, and music scholarships we recommend checking out!.
Online Degrees: ILCC’s online five programs offer flexibility to complete coursework at times that work best for you and your schedule. Students can earn an AA or AS transfer degree online or choose the Business Management or Paralegal program.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $211.00 | $226.00 |
| Housing estimate per month | $735.00 | $735.00 |
Iowa Lakes Community College Student Housing Video Tour:
2. Iowa Central Community College
Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa (main campus)
Website: Iowa Central Community College
Housing: Iowa Central provides on-campus living in the Iowa Central Residence halls with traditional and studio and apartment dorms starting at $3,915 per term. All students who live in the residence halls must sign up for the 19 meal plan which is included in this cost.
Meals: Iowa Central Dining Service includes the Triton Inn Dining Hall that offers several entrée choices, fast food choices, an extensive salad bar, deli bar, and dessert bar. For the person on the go we have a snack bar which we call the Triton Zone.
On Campus Degree Pick: Iowa Central’s TV & Radio Production program offers hands-on training at its fully licensed, 240-watt student-run radio station, KICB (88.1 the point). Students learn a wide range of skills including writing, announcing, sales, sports, digital production, and programming. This program equips students with the necessary skills to thrive and distinguish themselves in the highly competitive field of broadcasting.
Online Degrees: ICCC offers eight online degree programs so students have an opportunity to complete an associate degree entirely online. Our pick for a high growth job is the Health Care Administration APS Degree.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $210.00 | $305.50 |
| Housing estimate per month | $978.00 | $978.00 |
3. Indian Hills Community College
Location: Ottumwa and Centerville, Iowa
Website: Indian Hills Community College
Housing: Indian Hills has on–campus housing on both the Ottumwa and Centerville campuses. All rooms include Wifi, Cable, Air Conditioning, and Washers and Dryers are available in each building. Rooms range from modern, apartment–style units to traditional double–occupancy and dorms cost from $880 to $1760 per term. Meal plans are required for all room contracts and start at $440 a term.
Meals: Across the campuses student have access to a full-service cafeteria, cafés, grab-and-go snacks, and even fine dining for special occasions.
On Campus Degree Pick: Our pick for the campus degree program is the AAS in Chemistry . This program will prepare you for a variety of different science careers and you can finish in 18 months!
Online Degrees: The school currently offers three online degrees and one diploma. Our pick for an online degree is the Health Information Technology (AAS). This fast growing career won’t have a shortage of jobs and it also pays well!
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $203.00 | $255.00 |
| Housing estimate per month | $325 to $550 | $325 to $550 |
4. Northwest Iowa Community College
Location: Sheldon, Iowa
Website: Northwest Iowa Community College
Housing: Student housing at Northwest Iowa Community College is just a short walk to classes. The five complexes offer different suite options and vary in price. All student s must sign up for a required 14 meal plan which is included in the price. Cherokee Hall starts at $4,105 per semester and prices go up.
Meals: All resident hall students have a 14 weekly meal plan they can use in the cafeteria, Thunder Café, The Zone, Homestyle, and the Green Box.
On Campus Degree Pick: Our pick is the Associate of Applied Science degree in Design Technology. Students can go on to earn Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology through Dordt College.
Online Degrees: Students can earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) online with an emphasis in one of 20 areas. There are also seven options for an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and diploma options.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $208.00 | $218.00 |
| Housing estimate per month | $1,026.25 | $1,026.25 |
NCC Student Life Video Tour:
5. North Iowa Area Community College
Location: Mason City, Iowa
Website: North Iowa Area Community College
Housing: The student housing at North Iowa Area Community College includes Double Suites, Semi Private Suites, and Full Suites. The cost of NIACC dorms start at $8,000 per year to $10,300 per year depending on your choice of rooms. These prices include the 19 meal plan.
Meals: NIACC Food Service provides food at the Food Court in the Activity Center and three meals a day at the Campus View Dining.
On Campus Degree Pick: The STEM Meta Major offers a broad area of interest designed to help you move through the program quickly and efficiently. It starts broad and then students can narrow their path after a year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations will grow faster than average for all occupations and wages in these occupations are higher than other occupations.
Online Degrees: Our pick for an online degree is the AAS in Insurance and Financial Management.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $221.75 | $318.38 |
| Housing estimate per month | $800.00 | $800.00 |
NIACC Campus View Video Tour:
6. Southwestern Community College
Location: Creston, Iowa
Website: Southwestern Community College
Housing: The on-campus living at SWCC includes four residence halls: West Hall, a traditional dormitory and Spartan Suites, Spartan Court and Spartan Hall – all coed apartment-style residence halls. Housing costs vary depending on living arrangements, but start at $8,910 per year.
Meals: All students living in dorms also have a meal plan at the Spartan Cafe located at the SWCC Student Center.
On Campus Degree Pick: SWCC has two basic types of programs. Career and technical education (CTE) programs prepare students for the workforce and Transfer Pathway programs prepare students to transfer to a four year college or university. Our pick for the campus degree is the Associate of Science degree in Agronomy.
Online Degrees: Southwestern offers five degrees completely online. Our pick for an online program is the AAS in Accounting which can prepare you for many entry-level jobs in private business, government, and public accounting firms.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $224.00 | $231.00 |
| Housing estimate per month | $891.00 | $891.00 |
Southwestern Community College Video Tour:
7. Ellsworth Community College
Location: Iowa Falls, Iowa
Website: Ellsworth Community College
Housing: Students at Ellsworth Community College under age 21 (who are not heads of households or not living with their parents or guardians) are required to live on campus. There are two residence halls – Thompson Hall and Lloyd Hall – and two apartment-style buildings – College Apartments and College Suites – on campus. The cost to live on campus starts at $2,000 per semester.
Meals: Students who live in the residence halls must purchase the meal plan with 19 meals per week for $1,300 per semester.
On Campus Degree Pick:
Online Degrees: Our online pick is the AS in Exercise Science and Kinesiology transfer program. Students can seamlessly transition to a four-year program in exercise science, kinesiology, physical therapy, athletic training, and other health-related professions.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $229.00 | $271.00 |
| Housing estimate per month | $825.00 | $825.00 |
College Video Tour:
8. Iowa Western Community College
Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Website: Iowa Western Community College
Housing: Iowa Western offers a variety of residential facilities to help you engaged in campus life and broaden your personal experiences. The cost of housing starts at $3,325 per semester and varies depending on the options you choose.
Meals: Each suite room includes meal a meal plan. IWCC students living in dorms have unlimited dining in the cafe included in their housing contract.
On Campus Degree Pick: Our pick is the AAS in Electronics and Industrial Systems Technology. Students will learn technology theory in industrial electronics, microelectronics, robotics, and electro-optics. Grads find industry roles in biomedical technology, manufacturing, service, and sales within the fields of computers, electro-optics, robotics, and industrial electronics.
Online Degrees: IW offers 22 online degree programs. Our pick is the AA in Mathematics which will prepare you for a career in economics, business, engineering, or education.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Iowa In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $231.00 | $236.00 |
| Housing estimate per month | $831.25 | $831.25 |
Iowa Western Dorm Room Video Tour:
How Many Community Colleges Have Dorms?
The American Association of Community Colleges reported that 22.8% of public community colleges ran on-campus housing in 2010. By 2022, this number increased to 26.6%. While community colleges traditionally don’t offer on-campus housing like traditional universities, there are a growing number of exceptions across the United States that offer dormitories or residential facilities.
Why are there so Many Community Colleges with Dorms in Iowa?
Many community colleges in Iowa offer dorms to cater to the needs of the state’s large rural population. This is a testament to efforts to make education accessible to all, especially those who live far from a college campus.
The provision of on-campus housing is a significant step in this direction, considering factors like commuting distances and access to educational opportunities in smaller towns. This trend is also seen in other rural states, where community colleges provide housing, showing their commitment to attracting students from outlying areas and making them feel valued and important.
Below are some key reasons Iowa community colleges offer residence halls and dorms.
Rural student population:
Iowa has a large rural area, which means many students would struggle to commute to a college without on-campus housing.
Recruitment:
Offering dorms can attract students from further away, boosting enrollment at community colleges.
College experience:
Providing on-campus housing can give students a more traditional college experience, even at a community college level.
Cost of Community College Dorms Versus Traditional College Dorms?
The cost of dormitories at community colleges versus traditional four-year colleges and universities can vary significantly. Generally, community colleges with dorms in Iowa tend to be more affordable than those at traditional colleges and universities.
For example, Indian Hills Community College and Iowa State University are both Iowa state-supported schools. However, a student who opts to attend Indian Hills Community College for two years and live on campus can save around $3,287 per semester or $13,148 over the course of two years. That’s not chump change!
| School | In-State Tuition | Housing | Total semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | $2,313 per semester | $5,404 per semester | $7,717 |
| Indian Hills Community College | $2,670 per semester | $1,760 per semester | $4,430 |
| Difference: | $3,287 |
The cost of dormitory living at traditional colleges and universities can include room and board fees, which often encompass rent, utilities, meal plans, and other amenities. These costs can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per academic year, depending on the location, amenities, and type of accommodation. But many community colleges now offer a lot of the same amenities as traditional colleges, like the ones on our list of community colleges in Iowa with dorms!
What are the Pros of Living in Campus Housing at a Community College?
Living on campus can significantly assist first-year students in transitioning from living at home to living independently. Residing in a residence hall on campus ensures that many essential services, such as cable, internet, and laundry, are readily available to you without the need for additional arrangements. Also, rent, utilities, and internet are included in the price of on-campus housing, so you don’t have to worry about paying separate bills.
Many schools also provide additional amenities such as dining halls, recreation centers, gyms, and community spaces. Living in on-campus housing is like having a VIP pass to campus life, as it allows you to easily access campus activities, amenities, and services, enhancing your overall college experience.
On-campus housing typically offers double rooms, which means having a roommate. However, these living arrangements often lead to lasting friendships that extend beyond your college years. Residence halls are communities where you can meet new friends and share experiences with students who have similar interests and are in the same life stage.
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