Getting started at Iowa Western is easy. Simply complete the Application for Admission, for free, and start working on the next steps. If you plan to live on campus you will have a chance to apply for housing through the Application for Admission.

• Online Application

After you graduate from high school or complete your GED, send us an official copy of your transcript. If you have completed college credit courses at another institution, contact your former school and request to have official transcripts sent to us:

You need to complete a skills assessment test called the COMPASS. If you have taken the ACT, ASSET, or SAT recently, you can submit those scores in lieu of taking the COMPASS test. Test scores cannot be more than two years old at the start of the term for which you are accepted. If you have completed math or English courses at another institution, your scores may be waived, unless your program requires minimum scores for admission. Your scores will be used to place you into appropriate level Math and English courses. To schedule COMPASS, email testing@iwcc.edu or call 712.325.3277.

• Testing Center

If you wish to receive financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 of the year you intend to start at Iowa Western. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, and is used to determine your eligibility for grants (money you don’t need to pay back) and loans (money you borrow). You will need to know Iowa Western’s school code, which is 004598. More than 80% of Iowa Western student receive financial aid, including hundreds of scholarships, which you can apply for in one simple scholarship application.

• www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Scholarship Application

Some programs at Iowa Western require additional requirements for acceptance. You will be notified if your program requires any additional information from you, and you can view the list of programs online

• Admissions Requirements
• Academic Programs

Once you apply and submit test scores, you are ready to register for classes. We’ll be in touch with you regarding your options for registration, but you will want to plan in advance. Usually, registration for the Fall semester begins in mid-April, registration for the Spring semester begins mid-November, and registration for the Summer sessions begins in February. When you register for classes, our advisors will help you with so much more than course selection; we’ll assist you with career and transfer planning advice, financial aid and payment, ordering textbooks, and more. We’ve made registration as simple and convenient as possible by offering four options:

• Attend a VIP Registration Event. The best way to register for classes, VIP Registration Events consist of small groups of students who register for classes together with the assistance of an advisor. You’ll also meet some future classmates. We even offer special financial aid sessions for parents. Register for a VIP even online (link to VIP Registration Form) or contact us.
• Make an Appointment with an Admissions Advisor.
• Stop in during Office Hours.
• Register for Classes Online. Contact us for assistance.