2025 Top Online Community Colleges in Iowa

Iowa is home to around 60 colleges and universities, and about one-third of those are community colleges. Many of these community colleges offer online programs.

Keep reading to discover the top online community colleges and learn more about the programs they offer.

Featured Community Colleges Online in Iowa

There are over a dozen community colleges in Iowa, and many of them offer online programs. We've featured ten below in alphabetical order.

1. Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College is a public community college in Ankeny, Iowa. It offers online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Online programs are available in fields such as:

• business
• computer science
• human services
• liberal arts

Des Moines Area Community College enrolls over 21,500 students across six campuses in central Iowa.

2. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a system of community colleges along the Mississippi River. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas online.

Students can study online programs in fields such as:

• business
• computer and information sciences
• health informatics
• liberal arts

The college system is made up of three colleges and enrolls over 7,000 students in total.

3. Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College is a public community college in Waterloo, Iowa. It offers online associate degrees, certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeship programs.

Online programs are available in areas of study like:

• business
• construction trades
• health sciences
• liberal arts

Hawkeye Community College enrolls over 4,500 students through the main campus, online programs, and multiple regional centers.

4. Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Community College is a public community college in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It offers associate degrees online.

Students can earn online degrees in fields such as:

• business
• computer science
• digital arts
• human services

The college enrolls over 5,000 students across three campus locations.

5. Iowa Western Community College

Iowa Western Community College is a public community college in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It offers online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Online programs are available in areas of study like:

• business
• computer science
• education
• social sciences

Iowa Western Community College enrolls just under 5,500 students through its main campus and multiple regional centers.

6. Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College is a public community college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas online.

Students can study online programs in fields such as:

• business
• environmental science
• legal studies
• liberal arts

The college enrolls nearly 12,500 students through its main campus and eight regional center locations.

7. North Iowa Area Community College

North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a public community college in Mason City, Iowa. It offers online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Online programs are available in areas of study like:

• accounting
• business
• computer science
• education

North Iowa Area Community College currently enrolls about 2,500 students.

8. Northeast Iowa Community College

Northeast Iowa Community College is a public community college with campuses in Calmar and Peosta, Iowa. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas online.

Students can study online programs in fields such as:

• agriculture
• business
• health sciences
• human and public services

The college enrolls over 4,000 students across the two campuses and multiple regional centers.

9. Southeastern Community College

Southeastern Community College is a public community college with campuses in Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa. It offers online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Online programs are available in areas of study like:

• agriculture
• business
• education
• human services

Southeastern Community College enrolls about 2,500 students through its two campuses and several regional centers.

10. Western Iowa Tech Community College

Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public community college based in Sioux City, Iowa. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas online.

Students can study programs online in fields such as:

• art and design
• business
• human services
• humanities

The college enrolls over 5,000 students across campuses in Sioux City, Cherokee, Denison, Le Mars, and Mapleton, Iowa.

Is Community College Free in Iowa?

Community college is not free in Iowa, but some students may qualify for reduced or waived tuition.

To learn more about your financial aid options, fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

How Much Does Community College Cost in Iowa?

According to the Education Data Initiative, Iowa has some of the most expensive tuition for a community college in the country, at $6,350 for in-state residents.

Keep in mind that this number does not include financial aid, nor does it include things like textbooks and other supplies.

Iowa Community College Degree Types

Community colleges in Iowa offer associate degrees, which are two-year degrees. These degrees can be used to enter the workforce or can be transferred into a four-year program.

The most common types of associate degrees are Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Science degrees, and Associate of Applied Science degrees.

Career Opportunities for Iowa Community College Graduates

There are many career opportunities for Iowa community college graduates. Students can go into the trades or take on entry-level or administrative roles in fields like business, healthcare, and human services.

Find an Online Community College Today

There are several excellent online community colleges in Iowa. Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect fit for you today.