College Guide

College SEP TEMBER 2019

A SUPPLEMENT OF THE NE IOWA PUBLICATIONS

INDEPENDENCE BULLETIN JOURNAL | OELWEIN DAILY REGISTER | VINTON NEWSPAPERS | WAVERLY NEWSPAPERS

HAWKEYE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GREAT CAREERS BEGIN WITH HAWKEYE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Hawkeye Community College offers students a clear path to achieving their goals, whether that’s hands-on training for a high-demand career, or the small classes and affordable tuition to jumpstart a four-year degree.

Classroom to Career in Two Years Jacob Boeschen started working odd jobs after high school and quickly decided he wanted more. He began in general education classes at Hawkeye before a career exploration course pointed him toward Sustainable Construction and Design.

Jacob worked part-time for a local construction company while attending classes, both experiences adding to his growing skill set. When the program began construction on its Newell Street house, Jacob got hands-on experience with every aspect of residential construction, and took lead on building the home’s stairs.

“My time at Hawkeye has really helped develop my skills and give me a lot of the tools necessary to be successful in my field,” Jacob said. “It’s molded me to be a successful employee wherever I go, whether it’s working for someone or owning my own business someday.”

Last-Dollar Scholarship Sustainable Construction and Design is one of 22 Hawkeye programs eligible for the new Last-Dollar Scholarship. This Future Ready Iowa initiative pays up to 100 percent of tuition and fees in high-demand career areas like nursing, web pro-

gramming, ag business, and heating and air conditioning. Applying for the scholarship is simple: complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by July 1, 2020, and enroll in an eligible program.

“In some instances, students are able to reduce or even cancel the student loan that they may have intended to borrow,” said Nadine Torsrud, a financial aid analyst at Hawkeye. “Students can already begin looking ahead to the 2020-2021 school year and begin filing their FAFSA as early as October 1, 2019.”

Jumpstart Your Four-Year Degree Alyssa Stephens started her four-year degree at Hawkeye because she knew Hawkeye’s partnership with the University of Northern Iowa and other four-year colleges and universities would make

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transfer easy. Her two years on campus helped her explore different subjects and get involved with projects like the Little Free Pantry, all of which helped her focus on social work as her career path.

Now continuing her education at UNI, when friends ask why she started her education at Hawkeye, the answer is simple.

“The teachers are wonderful, they’re available, and they genuinely care,” she said. “You’re not a number to them, you’re a student. You have a name.”

With more than 45 academic programs, 13 intercollegiate athletic teams, an average class size of just 14 students, and the lowest tuition in the Cedar Valley, the path to a great career begins at Hawkeye Community College.

GREAT CAREERS

BEGIN WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Starting wages: $53,300 – $84,300

REGISTERED NURSE Starting wages: $44,300 – $57,900

HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST Starting wages: $36,300 – $56,000

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST Starting wages: $43,800 – $51,500

ROBOTIC TECHNICIAN Starting wages: $42,300 – $55,100

Computer Network Administrator Starting wages: $36,700 – $51,600

CLASSROOM TO CAREER IN TWO YEARS

Discover opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, business, agriculture, and more. www.hawkeyecollege.edu 319-296-4000 NE IOWA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE GUIDE 2019 | 3

NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

START AT NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE. GO ANYWHERE. Students enroll at Northeast Iowa Community College for many different reasons. They want to complete a transfer degree at NICC first before earning a degree from a four-year university, in Iowa or out-of-state. Students earn certificates, diplomas or degrees to start a successful career right after graduation.

Whatever drives your ambitions and career plans, Northeast Iowa Community College provides the resources and one-on-one support you need to help you achieve your goals.

Hope Lamphere, a 2018 Oelwein High School graduate, received an Opportunity Scholarship to support her education in the College’s Associate Degree Nursing program at the Calmar campus. She believes that the nursing program at NICC provided the foundation she needed to advance her education.

“When I was a student at Oelwein High School, the Northeast Iowa Community College RAMS HOPE LAMPHERE and Oelwein Center was right near the school. The courses and instructors there were so great and helpful, that I decided I wanted to continue my education at the

Calmar campus,” Hope said.

She is now attending Allen College in Waterloo to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and plans to enroll in a master’s degree program in the future.

Hope’s academic and career goals reflect a successful trend among NICC graduates. According to the Education Outcomes Report from the Iowa Department of Education, 96 percent of the College’s graduates are employed or continuing their education one year after graduation.

For many students, enrolling in a career and technical program at Northeast Iowa Community College successis the best preparation for a success ful career in two years or less. One student, Kody Bill, found the career training he needed in the Automotive Technology program.

“Community colleges, like NICC, offer great opportunities for stustu dents. I had a great head start in high school, earning general eduedu cation and Automotive Technology program credits. I’ve been into cars and auto repair since I was a little kid,” Kody said.

New research published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, “Good Jobs That Pay without a BA,” indicates that

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KODY BILL

the median earnings of individuals without a bachelor’s degree in Iowa are $53,000. In fact, 68 percent of all employed Iowans do not have a four-year degree, and many earned a two-year degree at a community college. The top five industries in Iowa for non-B.A. degree earners are manufacturing, construction, transportation and utilities, health services and the financial sector. These industries are positioned for growth and employers need qualified graduates.

Start at Northeast Iowa Community College. Go Anywhere. Check out all the programs we offer at www.nicc.edu/ academics.

STA RT HER E.

GO A NY W HER E!

We won’t waste your time. Whether your goal is to transfer and complete a four-year degree, gain cutting edge hands-on training to start your career - or if you’re somewhere in between - you’ll find your place at Northeast Iowa Community College.

V ISIT CA MPUS! 833.NICC.EDU • 833.642.2338

www.nicc.edu/visit

STAYCONNECTED. @neiowacc

NE IOWA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE GUIDE 2019 | 5

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBLE HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING Since its inception in 1857, Upper Iowa University’s (UIU) unwavering commitment to accessible higher education and lifelong learning ensures that current and future UIU students are provided with the skills they need to be successful in the classroom, career and life. A private, nonprofit university, UIU provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,200 students worldwide.

Students get a traditional college experience of excellent education, tradition and innovation within a comfortable and welcoming campus environment in Fayette, Iowa, and 21 locations across the United States—as well as in Hong Kong. UIU is also a recognized leader in online and selfpaced education.

Students have more than 40 majors to choose from, and all utilize a unique, flexible course schedule. Each academic year consists of five 8-week sessions and one accelerated 6-week summer session, so UIU students typically take less classes at a time. Other students get a jump on completion by transferring in up to 90 undergraduate credits or 12 graduate credits

from other schools. Credits may also be earned via an experiential learning portfolio or various college examinations.

Most students are eligible for endowed or institutional scholarships to further lower the cost of their UIU education.

Students who are completing a two-year degree at another college are encouraged to inquire about UIU’s transfer tuition scholarship program; eligible students earn a scholarship of up to $19,910. In addition, UIU’s Corporate Advantage Partnership provides tuition grants and other benefits to employees of participating companies.

With a Universitywide 13:1 student-tofaculty ratio, the UIU experience helps inspire students to reach their full potential. This kind of hands-on learning is a key reason why 94 percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education shortly after commencement.

Military and International support UIU offers a wide variety of educational opportunities tailored to fit the dynamic lifestyle of today’s military personnel and their families. Located at Fayette Campus,

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the UIU Military and Veterans Service Center provides a relaxing space for veterans and military-affiliated students to study and connect with other students. In addition, Upper Iowa is a member of the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education network.

The UIU Center for International Education includes education abroad, international admissions, Intensive English Program, and International Student and Scholar Services to help international students with immigration and cultural adjustment.

Graduate programs Many current graduate students take one class at a time to allow them to balance work, family, and other commitments in their busy lives. UIU offers Master of Sport Administration, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Administration programs.

In addition, UIU will soon introduce the Master of Science in Counseling through its online program.

For additional information about Upper Iowa University and Fayette Campus, visit uiu.edu or call 800-553-4150.

SCHEDULE A CAMPUS VISIT TO UPPER IOWA Today!

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REGISTER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP CAMPUS VISIT AT UIU.EDU/VISIT2019

WEEK CLASSES

ONLY NCAA DIVISION II SCHOOL IN

2-3 CLASSES PER SESSION

2019-20 GROUP VISIT DATES Saturday, September 7, 2019 (Visit Day)

Saturday, October 5, 2019

23

SPORTS TEAMS

(Open House)

Saturday, November 23, 2019 (Early Accepted Student Day)

Monday, February 17, 2020

OVER

Saturday, March 7, 2020

40

GRADUATE & UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

(Junior Visit Day)

Saturday, April 18, 2020 (Accepted Student Day)

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Office of Admissions -Fayette Campus 605 Washington Street ̶ Fayette, IA 52142 563.425.5281 ̶ admission@uiu.edu

NE IOWA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE GUIDE 2019 | 7

ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

What does it mean to experience Ellsworth? A close-knit atmosphere makes Ellsworth Community College students feel right at home. Located in Iowa’s ‘scenic city,’ the beautiful campus is located near the Iowa River. ECC’s campus is just a short walk away from downtown, which is full of fun shops and delicious restaurants.

ECC has a variety of career and technical programs ranging from Accounting to Nursing to Swine Management.

These one-year and two-year programs lead directly to careers after graduation: Accounting, Ag Practitioner, Ag Science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Animal Science, Business Administration, Business Administrative & Information Services Assistant, Business Computer Applications, Computer Applications in Business, Conservation Technology, Criminal Justice (Corrections or Law Enforcement), Customer Service, Equine Management, Equine Science, Farm Management, Marketing, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Practitioner, Merchandising & Retail Management, Mobile Service Technician, Nursing (Practical or Associate Degree) Precision Ag, Small Business Practitioner, and Swine Management.

The majority of ECC students enroll in the transferrable Liberal Arts Associate of Arts (AA) degree program, which is accepted at Iowa’s Regent universities and most private colleges. All coursework for the AA degree can be taken either on campus or online.

ECC has one of the highest student success rates (graduation rate + transfer rate) of any community college in Iowa!

Another reason so many students start their college experience at Ellsworth and then transfer credits for a bachelor’s degree is because ECC has dual enrollment agreements with the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. That means when you enroll at ECC, you can also be enrolled at one of the Regent universities at the same time. Dual enrollment gives ECC students the same student resources as those attending a Regent university.

Many ECC students interested in a bachelor’s degree choose to take freshman and sophomore classes at Ellsworth to save money. Students who transfer to one of the Regent universities will save an average of $8,475 per year by taking their freshman and sophomore classes at Ellsworth; those who transfer to a private college will save an average of

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more than $35,000 per year!

Here’s more good news about Ellsworth …

More than $800,000 is awarded in ECC scholarships each year. More than 90 percent of ECC students receive some type of scholarship or financial aid.

ECC isn’t the biggest…just the best!

Our smaller class size allows you a more hands-on approach to learning, and our instructors are outstanding.

Our faculty and staff are known (and appreciated) for their support of and commitment to their students.

Our intercollegiate athletic programs are among the best – football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, baseball, sports shooting and softball.

There are a lot of activities, events, clubs and organizations for students.

You can be highly involved, meet lots of people, and build a great college resume at Ellsworth.

ECC offers Panther Preview Days for prospective students. For Panther Preview dates/times or to reserve a space for yourself and a parent or friend, contact the ECC Admissions Office at 641648-4611 or 800-322-9235 or eccinfo@ iavalley.edu. There’s more information online at EllsworthCollege.com.

EXPERIENCE E L L S W O RT H

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Degree and certificate programs from Accounting, Agriculture and Conservation to Criminal Justice, Equine Science, Medical Assisting, Nursing and more.

Save from $8,475 to $38,380 by taking freshman and sophomore courses at ECC and then transferring to a public university or private college.

Admission partnerships with UNI, Iowa State and Iowa make it easy to transfer your Ellsworth credits.

Call, email or stop by ECC Admissions to visit the campus and apply for scholarships!

ELLSWORTH

Community College IOWA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

1100 College Avenue, Iowa Falls Ph: 800-322-9235 • E: eccinfo@iavalley.edu ecc.iavalley.edu NE IOWA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE GUIDE 2019 | 9

COLLEGE MAJORS THAT CAN LEAD TO HIGHER EARNINGS Choosing a college major is an important decision that many students delay making until their sophomore or even junior years. Only after taking a few courses and uncovering one’s interests do some college students figure out what they want to do with their lives.

Each student is different, and while some may pursue a degree based on a particular passion, others may choose majors that can lead to high-paying jobs.

While men often lean toward majors like engineering and computer science that have traditionally been linked to high earnings, women have historically gravitated to lower-paying specialties like education and social sciences. But in recent years a shift has occurred, and

more women have begun to choose majors associated with higher postgraduate salaries.

Reports from the career guidance site Glassdoor analyzed how much male and female professionals with the same college degree earned and identified many instances in which women went on to earn more than men in the first five years of their career. They’ve identified several majors where female college graduates can earn as much or more than their male counterparts and find successful careers.

• Architecture • Pharmaceutical sciences • Information sciences • Chemical engineering • Computer science

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• Electrical engineering • Mechanical engineering • Computer engineering • Business economics • Civil engineering • Sports management Despite these findings, the college resource CollegeFactual and the U.S. Department of Education says that women remain likely to pursue education, design and applied arts, health services, and social work as career options.

Female students unsure of which major they want to pursue can take career assessments to help narrow down their options. Working with mentors or engaging in internships also can present a first-hand idea of high-paying career paths.

HOW TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF SAVING FOR COLLEGE TUITION

Parents likely don’t need to be told that college tuition is expensive. Whether you’re a parent of a high school student on the verge of applying for college or of a newborn with decades to go before the first college tuition bill comes due, the burden of how to pay for higher education is likely something you’ve considered.

While the cost of college tuition isn’t on the decline, parents might be happy to learn that such costs aren’t rising as fast as they once were. According to the “Trends in College Pricing 2018” report from The College Board, between 2001 and 2012, tuition increases at four-year public colleges ranged from 5.7 percent to 13.3 percent per year. Between 2012 and 2018, those same schools raised tuition raised tuition by just 3 percent per year.

The challenge of saving for college might be more manageable if tuition costs don’t rise as sharply as they did between 2001 and 2012. But such costs are unpredictable, so parents should

explore other ways to save for college tuition.

• Start saving as early as possible. It’s never too early to begin saving for a child’s college education. According to rules governing New York’s 529 College Savings Program, adults cannot open 529 Savings plans for unborn children, as beneficiaries must have a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number. However, expecting parents or young adults who one day plan to have children can open accounts and name themselves as beneficiaries and then change the beneficiary to their child once the child is born. It might seem odd to start saving for college tuition before you even have children, but it’s never too early to start growing a college fund.

• Choose a diversified portfolio. Most people are familiar with the adage, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

That adage is especially noteworthy when saving for college. Many people recognize that simply saving for college isn’t enough, and that directing

college savings into a 529 plan that allows that money to grow is a savvy way to build college savings accounts.

When choosing investments, parents can combat market volatility by investing in diversified portfolios that makes their savings less vulnerable to loss. In fact, the NY529 Direct Plan allows parents to choose age-based options that automatically shift investments from aggressive to conservative mutual funds as children age.

• Take your tax deduction. Families are faced with a host of bills each month, and that can make some parents wonder if it’s even possible to contribute to college savings accounts. Speak with an accountant to help you make room in the budget for such contributions, which are often eligible to tax deductions that make it easier and more sensible to save for college.

Saving for college tuition can be made easier by employing various strategies to grow college savings without adversely affecting monthly budgets.

NE IOWA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE GUIDE 2019 | 11

UNIQUE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES THAT CAN HELP STUDENTS STAND OUT When thinking of extracurricular activities, many people’s first thoughts might be about team sports or group activities like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. While such activities are popular, attracting tens of millions of kids every year, there are plenty of extracurricular activities rooted in academics as well.

Extracurricular activities can provide a respite from schoolwork and give kids a chance to socialize with their peers. Extracurricular activities also can be great places to learn lessons that might not be taught in the classroom, such as how to work as a team, the value of good sportsmanship and how to handle defeat. Many of those same lessons can be learned through more unique extracurricular activities.

In addition to the things they can learn, students who participate in extracurricular activities can bolster their college applications. According to The Princeton Review®, college admissions officers approach each admissions season hoping to create a class made up of students with

diverse interests and backgrounds. To accomplish that goal, officers typically look at each applicant’s extracurricular activities to learn more about the person behind the application. Academic performance is important, but extracurricular activities might help set students apart from other applicants with similar academic backgrounds but little or no extracurricular activity on their applications.

Students who want to their extracurricular activities to stand out among the masses of college applicants can speak with officials at their school about these opportunities.

• Model United Nations: Often referred to as “Model UN,” this activity asks students to role-play as United Nations delegates. Students who participate in Model UN develop public speaking skills while also learning how to conduct research, frame debates and develop their leadership skills.

• Foreign language clubs: Many high schools offer foreign languages clubs to

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their student bodies. Such clubs can allow students who study foreign language to develop their language skills further, and they also can be great ways to learn about the culture and history behind the languages they’re learning. Fluency in a foreign language can bolster a student’s college application. Many schools also sponsor additional subject-specific clubs, such as chemistry clubs or English clubs, which can be ideal for students who want to pursue college degrees in such subjects.

• National Honor Society: While it’s easy to mistake the National Honor Society as little more than an honor roll, the organization is much more than that. Students who qualify for membership in the NHS are challenged to develop their skills further through participation in school activities and community service.

Extracurricular activities can help students make the most of their time in school and help them improve their candidacy in the eyes of college admissions officers.