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

39

39 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 Program Focus

9
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
397
Total Recent Graduates

Northwest Iowa Community College serves 3,254 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 39 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.

View Student Outcomes

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