2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Iowa

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers a robust online curriculum, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and diplomas. Online degrees include majors such as English, History, Human and Family Services, Journalism, Liberal Arts, and Communication. Students can earn online job-readiness certificates as well in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Early Childhood Education, Digital Forensics, and Digital Marketing, for example. Online diplomas include Accounting and Bookkeeping, Computer Languages, Digital Marketing, Medical Billing and Coding, and Retail Management.

DMACC’s accelerated programs offer online courses in the humanities, math, science, communications, and social and behavioral sciences, which can take students anywhere from 5 to 15 weeks to complete. Online student resources include access to the bookstore, advising, tutoring services, accessibility, and tech support.

Kirkwood Community College offers synchronous and asynchronous online degrees and certificates to provide flexibility and accommodate various student schedules. Available online associate degree programs include Anthropology, Digital Media, Economics, Journalism, Philosophy, Religion, and Water Environment Technology.

Students who are eager to enter the workforce directly with job-readiness skills can also or alternatively earn certificates in Business Administration - Technical Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, and Project Management. Kirkwood’s FlexForward program is an accelerated, self-paced online program that's offering an online certificate in project management. Additionally, distance learners can access online counseling services, learning services, and Kirkwood’s library.

Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) offers online Business, Education, and General Studies programs. Prospective online students can enroll in associate degree programs in Business Administration, Management and Human Resources, Marketing, and Elementary or Secondary Education. Alternatively, an online associate degree in General Studies can help students earn transfer credits for eventual transfer to four-year institutions.

Online job-readiness certificates are also available in industries such as healthcare, education, business and information technology, trades and manufacturing, and emergency services. Some students may be eligible to enroll in online certificate programs for free through IWCC’s Education 2 Employment program. IWCC also supports online students by providing remote access to library services, tutoring services, writing assistance, and academic advising.

Northwest Iowa Community College (NWICC) offers online degrees and certificates in various industries, such as business, healthcare, and technology. For example, distance learners can earn an online associate degree in Web and Graphic Design, Information Technology, or Business Management. Online diplomas and certificates can also help students develop job-readiness skills for occupations such as pharmacy technicians, medical coders, or emergency medical technicians. NWICC also offers online transfer degrees so students can earn their associate degrees online in order to accumulate transfer credits that can count toward bachelor’s degrees. A program advisor can direct prospective students to various online services and resources.

Western Iowa Tech Community College (WIT) supports distance learning by providing opportunities to earn online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Students can enroll in diverse online degree programs, such as Early Childhood Education, Video Game Design, Human Resources Management, Political Science, and Social Work. Those seeking job-readiness skills more quickly can earn online certificates and diplomas for occupations concerning tax preparation, medical coding, interpretation and translation, and payroll processing. Tutoring, academic advising, library resources, and career services are also available online. Additionally, students can purchase textbooks and supplies online through WIT’s bookstore.