Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northwest Iowa Community College

Sheldon, IA

Total Enrollment

3,254

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

32

32 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,448

3,254 part-time

Total FTE

1,112

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
3,254
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 32
High diversity
~102 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Northwest Iowa Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 3,254 students across 32 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Northwest Iowa Community College serves 3,254 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 32 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,448 (42.9%)
42.9%
Part-Time Students 3,254 (57.1%)
57.1%
Total Students 5,702

Majority part-time students (57.1%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (75.2%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.9%
1,948 students
Men
40.1%
1,306 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
79.6%
2,590 students
White
79.6% (2,590)
Hispanic/Latino
10.1% (328)
Black/African American
4.2% (138)
Asian
1.4% (47)
Two or More Races
1.2% (39)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.6% (21)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 3,254 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 80% of the student body (2,590 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

5,702 students

47% Men, 53% Women
2,448 Full-time
Diversity Index: 33% • Minority Students: 15%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

628
All full-time students
351 men, 277 women
Diversity: 30%

FT Undergraduate

628
Full-time undergraduate
351 men, 277 women
Diversity: 30%

FT Degree-Seeking

596
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
344 men, 252 women
Diversity: 30%

FT First-Time

289
Full-time first-time students
192 men, 97 women
Diversity: 29%

FT Continuing

307
Full-time continuing students
152 men, 155 women
Diversity: 31%

Part-Time Students

All Students

1,792
All students total
757 men, 1,035 women
Diversity: 35%

Transfer

49
Transfer-in students
15 men, 34 women
Diversity: 36%

Continuing

477
Continuing students
191 men, 286 women
Diversity: 40%

Non-Degree

936
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
343 men, 593 women
Diversity: 33%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,618
White
214
Black/African American
556
Hispanic/Latino
71
Asian
Diversity Index: 33% Minority Students: 15%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northwest Iowa Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 3,254 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (75.2%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 1,112 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (54% exclusively online).
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

603 W Park St

Sheldon, IA 51201

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials