Students begin the admissions process by contacting the Admissions Office located in the Pierce Administration Building. Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Friday; and by appointment. Summer hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, call 641-422-4245 or 1-888-466-4222, Ext. 4245, or visit the Admissions page.
Applying to the College
North Iowa Area Community College is an “open door” public two-year college. Generally, you will not encounter any problems in being admitted, but you must complete certain admissions steps. (Please note that admission to the College does not ensure admission to all programs offered.)
All application materials are to be submitted to the Admissions Office, North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, Iowa 50401. You may also fill out an on-line application at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-for-admission/.
- Carefully complete the NIACC Application for Admission. Once you are accepted, you will receive a student identification number. This ID number will be on your acceptance letter.
- Submit your high school transcript. Upon graduation, you must submit a final transcript. If you obtained your High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), please forward your scores in place of a high school transcript.
- You can order your HSED scores from www.diplomasender.com if you tested in the state of Iowa. Students who tested and passed all subject area tests with HISET at NIACC do not need to request scores to be sent.
- If you do not have your high school diploma or equivalent, contact the College to find out how we can help you earn one or visit Learning Support online. A student will be allowed to take courses for one semester while obtaining the HSED. The student will not be eligible for financial aid during the semester he/she is completing the HSED.
- An assessment of your skills and abilities is required as part of the registration process. You may either submit your American College Test (ACT) scores or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. If a student has not taken the ACT or SAT, contact the Testing Center for assessment times. Accuplacer, ALEKS, and the NIACC Writing Assessment are offered free to students who will be enrolling at NIACC. If you are unable to take the ACT, SAT, or other placement test due to the ongoing physical distancing requirements in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, placement can be determined by alternative factors:
- High school GPA is being used for placement in ENG 105 and ENG 106 .
- Placement into MAT 110 , MAT 153 , MAT 156 , MAT 801 , and developmental math does not require an ALEKS score. Placement into those courses can rely fully upon high school cumulative GPA and highest high school math course completed.
- An ALEKS score is required for placement into MAT 121 , MAT 128 , MAT 134 , MAT 140 , MAT 165 , MAT 210 , or higher. Unproctored ALEKS scores are acceptable for placement.
- If your goal is to obtain an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, you will be required to take the Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS®) math placement assessment to determine math readiness. ALEKS® is a web-based system designed to assist in determining which math courses a student is ready to begin. For more information and testing times, contact the Testing Center.
- If you have earned credits at another college, have your official transcript(s) forwarded to NIACC.
Note: Students applying for the Nursing (ADN), A.A.S. , Practical Nursing Diploma , ADN Option for Licensed Practical Nurses, A.A.S. , or Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S. programs need to review the NIACC catalog for additional program requirements.
High school students may enroll in college credit classes with the approval of the high school administration. Students should first meet with their high school counselor to secure course approval and then complete the Career Link High School Registration Form. Contact your high school counselor for more information.
International Students
International Students are required to follow steps below to be granted acceptance to North Iowa Area Community College.
- Submit an Application for Admission
- Submit a $100 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee
- Provide a copy of your passport
- Complete the personal information form
- Provide an official copy of your high school transcript (sent directly from your high school). All transcripts must be translated and notarized if in other than the English language.
- Submit a bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover one year’s expenses and an affidavit of support from a third party legally responsible for all payment.
- Submit proof of English proficiency; only required if English is not your first language. English proficiency is determined by a standardized test. Please see the information on our international student web site.
- Student Transfer form (completed ONLY by students transferring in to NIACC from another college/university in the U.S.)
Contact the Admissions Office for an international student admissions packet, or visit our website.
International students who will be enrolled in on-line classes only at North Iowa Area Community College will not be required to complete the international student admissions packet, submit their TOEFL, SAKAE, IELTS, or GTEC score or pay the $100 application fee. Any international student who will be taking a combination of on-line and on-campus classes will need to follow the application process for on-campus international students.
New Student Registration
Registration information will be mailed in April to students who have indicated a Fall start term on their application for admission; and students indicating a Spring (January) start will receive the information in November. This information is sent out in the order that applications for admissions are received. Selecting a date for your registration can be made on-line once your receive your registration letter. On your scheduled registration day, you will learn about programs and services available, schedule classes, and arrange payment options.
Summer School Students
If the only term you plan to enroll in is the summer term, you will need to check our website for registration information and instructions.
Orientation
All new and transfer students who are entering NIACC for the first time are required to attend a new student orientation. During orientation, students learn about NIACC policies and procedures, academic requirements, faculty expectations, and are given information about financing their education, student housing, and student activities. Students will also learn how to adapt to their new college environment.
College Essentials
All students are required to register for SDV - 199 College Essentials . The purpose of the course is to familiarize NIACC students with student systems like Trojan Home, Canvas, student e-mail, and other campus resources. This online class is a pass/no pass course. Students are expected to complete all sections prior to the Friday before mid-term of the semester.
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