Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request transcripts be sent to the Admissions Office?

For high school transcripts, call the high school from which you graduated and ask them to release your transcripts to Iowa Western. If you received your GED, simply call the center where you took the tests and request your transcript be sent to Iowa Western. If you have attended any college, regardless of how many credits you received, Iowa Western requires these transcripts to be on file in the Admissions Office. Most colleges will need your request in writing for the transcript to be released.

How much will it cost to attend IWCC?

Iowa Western offers a great education at an affordable price. Because cost is still an issue for many students, we offer student financial aid programs as well as a deferred payment plan to help you finance your education. In addition, IWCC gives almost a million dollars in scholarships annually. Follow the link below for more information.

Cost & Financial Aid Info

To what counties outside Iowa do you offer in-state tuition?

A permanent resident of the State of Nebraska who resides in Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Sarpy or Washington County, or a permanent resident of the State of Missouri who resides in Atchison, Nodaway or Worth County may be eligible for the In-State Tuition scholarship.

What is a credit hour?

A credit hour is the amount of time you are required to spend in the classroom. When you take a course for three hours of credit, this means you will typically be required to spend three hours per week in the classroom. Of course, for every hour you are in the classroom, you should be prepared to spend two or three hours outside the classroom studying.

What are Reiver Days?

Reiver Days are one of the best ways to experience Iowa Western. The Admissions Office has designated various Fridays or Saturdays for students to visit campus. You will receive a campus tour, an opportunity to meet the instructors and talk with current students, and information on costs and financial aid.

Sign up to Attend a Reiver Day

How do I find a schedule of classes being offered?

A complete listing of our class schedule is available online, which means you will see up-to-the minute information regarding class times and availability. You can even search for classes that are on certain days and with specific instructors.

Online Course Search

Why do I need to speak with an academic advisor?

Our Admissions Advisors will give you an advisement guide, which outlines the courses you need for graduation, and will work with you to develop your schedule for your first semester. You will then be assigned an Academic Advisor in your major later in the semester and he or she will help you stay on track for graduation, answer questions about transfer, and offer insight on career options. Regular contact with your advisor is extremely important. However, it is the responsibility of the student to be certain that the courses selected will meet the requirements for the degree sought. It’s your education and your future!

How do I get a student ID card?

After you register for classes, you will need to get your student ID in the Information Technology Center in Fremont Hall. Your student ID will not only get you access to athletic events and activities but will also allow you to check out books from the library, dine in the cafeteria, and gain entrance to our housing facilities if you are a resident.

Are Iowa Western credits transferable to another college?

Iowa Western is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, and our Arts and Science credits will transfer to most four-year colleges. However, you should contact the particular college you're interested in and request transfer information as soon as you begin your education at Iowa Western. It is up to the institution to which you transfer to decide whether or not to accept credits earned at Iowa Western.

Do I need to take a Placement Test?

You need to complete a skills assessment test called the COMPASS. If you have taken the ASSET, ACT or SAT recently, you can submit those scores in lieu of taking the COMPASS test. Please note that scores cannot be more than two years old at the start of the term for which you are accepted. If you need to take the COMPASS test, which is free of charge, please call 712.325.3278 to schedule a time that works for you. Although these scores are needed for placement in math and English classes, most programs do not require a certain score for acceptance.

How do I get books?

As a student, you can reserve your textbooks through the IWCC online Bookstore. This is a great way to ensure you will receive "used" textbooks! "Used" books go fast, so by reserving them you will be one of the first students to receive the "used" copies. By reserving your books, you will also eliminate searching for books each semester. You will just need to go to the IWCC Bookstore and pick up your box of books. This is a convenient way to shop for your textbooks!

IWCC Bookstore

What are these Developmental Classes and why do I have to take them?

A Developmental Class is a class that teaches fundamental skills and prepares students to be more successful in college level classes. Iowa Western puts the success of our students at the top of the priority list. We look at placement test scores to determine an appropriate starting point for each student.