Enrollment Services

Admissions

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) has an open admission policy and admits any person who can benefit from a program of study. Acceptance to the College, however, does not guarantee acceptance to all courses or academic programs; review the Program Admission policy below. Applicants may be required to take preparatory coursework, participate in a program interview or satisfy a minimum placement assessment score(s) prior to entering specific college courses or programs.

NICC reserves the right to evaluate requests for admission and to refuse admission to applicants when considered to be in the best interest of the College. NICC may require a person to provide a medical statement from a physician for admission to a specific program or when it is otherwise in the best interest of the student and/or the College.

Program Admission

Selected academic programs have specific admission requirements found on the individual program pages within the College catalog. The program admission requirements ensure the student possesses the potential to complete the program successfully. After all admission requirements have been completed, applicants will be considered for acceptance to the program on a first-come, first-served basis. A person who does not meet the requirements for a specific academic program may become eligible after completing appropriate coursework or re-testing on the identified assessment tool. Some programs have limited enrollment, so applicants should apply well in advance of the semester they plan to enroll.

Enrollment Process

1. Submit a completed application for admission online at www.nicc.edu/apply. There is no application fee.
2. Complete ACCUPLACER®, reading and writing assessments and ALEKS®, math assessment at a campus Testing Center or at an NICC service location throughout the district. The assessments are computer adaptive, administered over the internet, and provide information about academic skills within reading, writing and mathematics.

Scores are used to advise students on appropriate coursework that will enhance and further their academic success. Please refer to the Placement Assessment section for information.

The assessments may be waived completely or partially by submission of one of the following to the campus Admissions Office:

• High school transcript showing in-progress coursework or graduation within the last five years.
• ACT®, SAT® or other comparable placement assessment scores. Scores are valid for three years.
• Applicable college coursework. Assessment requirements may be waived based on previous courses taken, credits earned and grades received. Send college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend for determination of partial or full placement test waiver.

3. Submit a high school transcript. The high school transcript/high school equivalency diploma (HSED) is not required for acceptance to the College, but is required for acceptance to specific programs. Program admission requirements can be found within the Programs of Study section of this catalog. Submission of your high school transcript is strongly encouraged to provide successful academic advising and satisfy eligibility requirements for federal financial aid.
4. Schedule an appointment with an advisor to review program requirements, finalize financial aid and register for courses.
5. An early registration appointment allows for the best selection of courses. Course schedules are available at www.nicc.edu/courses.

Non-Degree Students

Many students at NICC enroll in courses to transfer to another college, for self-improvement or for employment. If a prospective student does not want to receive financial aid for the course(s) costs, he or she should select “Not seeking a degree” as the program of study when applying to the College. Non-degree seeking students are considered General/Liberal Studies (GLS) students. Some courses require prerequisites and/or are reserved for program students. If a course has a prerequisite, the student must provide documentation that he or she satisfies the requirements for placement in the course.

GLS students are eligible to register online and receive online registration information in their acceptance letter/email from the Admissions Office.

Returning Students

Students returning to NICC after an absence longer than one year will need to complete a new application for admission. Returning students are subject to the policies and curriculum published within the effective College catalog at the time of readmission. Students who withdrew from the College in good standing are eligible for readmission. Good standing is defined as a student who does not owe money to the College or does not have a conduct code violation. Students have the opportunity to apply for readmission to the College after any suspension by notifying the Conduct Administrator and following the readmission process.

Eligibility for readmission may be contingent on satisfactorily meeting specific conditions noted at the time of suspension or upon application for reentry to the College.

Admission Partnerships

Students interested in pursuing a four-year degree may take advantage of the services provided through an admission partnership program. NICC and several four-year colleges and universities have entered formal agreements for admission partnership programs for students interested in concurrent enrollment as well as transfer opportunities. Find a complete listing of admission partnerships at www.nicc.edu. These agreements allow students to be enrolled at NICC and a partner school. Students are entitled to services that are outlined in the agreements.

Access transfer guides and articulation agreements at www.nicc.edu/transfer.

Transfer is not limited to the listed colleges. For information regarding programs and colleges not listed, contact an enrollment advisor or the college you plan to attend.

Course Placement

Northeast Iowa Community College is committed to ensuring students are prepared to enroll in their required coursework. Course placement assessment scores provide skill-based information that, combined with a student’s academic background, goals and interests, are used by the College to determine appropriate course placement. Scores can also be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for certain courses or in cases where an academic program may have a minimum placement score required for acceptance. NICC utilizes multiple measures for placement into math, reading and writing coursework.  NICC administers ACCUPLACER® Reading and Writeplacer assessments, which are valid for three years and ALEKS® math assessments, which are valid for two years, prior to the date of course registration. Students have the option to retest to improve placement scores. There is no fee for the initial placement assessments for students enrolling into NICC. A fee of $20 is required for third and subsequent retests in reading and writing. Retests for math may be done up to four times during the twelve months that the Prep and Learning module is active; a fee of $15 is required thereafter. There is a fee of $20 per test for proctoring assessments for other institutions and/or for placement score transfers to other institutions.

The ability to read and comprehend is a core value of NICC. A base reading assessment score or evidence of appropriate course completion is required prior to graduation. The ACCUPLACER® Reading assessment is administered to all program students unless a waiver is granted. Waivers may be granted for one of the following:

• Recent high school graduate (within the last five years) with a cumulative GPA of 2.67;
• Previous degree attainment;
• Successful completion of 12 college credits with a grade of C or higher

Students who do not meet the minimum reading assessment level must enroll in a skill-building reading course (RDG:034: College Reading I or RDG:041 College Reading II). Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course prior to or during the first semester of their program of study. Visit www.nicc.edu/courseplacement for more information on course placement assessments and procedures.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are based on the 2022-2023 academic year. These rates are subject to change at any time.

Iowa Resident Tuition

• $185 per credit hour.

Non-Iowa Resident Tuition

• $209 per credit hour.

International Tuition

• $226 per credit hour.

Student Fees

• Course Fee - $24 per credit hour
• Technology Fee- $6.00 per course section
• Other Program Costs - Expenses vary depending on specific program requirements (such as textbooks, tools and uniforms).

Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

Northeast Iowa Community College believes it is important for students to understand and acknowledge the financial commitment made by registering for classes. All students who register for classes will be required to electronically sign a Student Financial Responsibility Agreement. This Agreement outlines a student’s financial responsibilities associated with registering for classes and the consequences of non-payment of tuition and fees.

Tuition Payment Plan

A monthly payment plan for tuition and course fees is available through Nelnet Business Solutions (not available for textbook purchases). Nelnet is an online service that will set up automatic monthly payments to be deducted from a checking, savings or credit card account. Contact the Finance Office for plan options and deadlines on the automatic payment plan.

Tuition and Course Fee Refund/Adjustment

Students who wish to cancel their registration or drop a course must notify the Student Services Office before the first day of the semester or class to avoid tuition/fees assessment.  Students who withdraw from NICC or drop a course may be eligible for a refund/adjustment of their tuition and fees.  Refunds/adjustments of tuition and fees will not be issued to students based on non-attendance.  Refunds/adjustments of tuition and fees are calculated based on the start date of the course.  Calendar days, less holidays and weekends, are used for calculations regardless of the number of class meetings.

Offset Program

Northeast Iowa Community College participates in the State of Iowa Offset Program. Unpaid balances for educational debt will be submitted to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services for collection against any claim owed to an individual by a state agency. This includes but is not limited to state of Iowa income tax refunds.

Residency Status

A student enrolling at NICC shall be classified as a resident or non-resident of the state of Iowa based upon information furnished by the student on their application for admission and other relevant information or the student is enrolled through a formal articulation agreement.  A student may request their permanent residence to the state of Iowa by submitting a Request to Change Residency Status to the Registrar.

The student must document residing in the state of Iowa for at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the semester in which he/she is enrolling. A brief statement explaining his/her main purpose for moving to Iowa is required. The student must not have moved to the state of Iowa primarily for educational purposes; students who are in the state of Iowa for educational purposes cannot be granted residency status.

The statement and Request to Change Residency Status must be submitted prior to the start of the semester for which the change would become official along with three supporting documents from different sources that include their name, their Iowa address and a date 90 days prior to the start of the semester for which the change is sought. The following are examples of acceptable documentation:

• Written, notarized documentation from an employer
• Proof of Iowa Household credit on property taxes
• Iowa voter registration card
• Iowa vehicle registration card
• Iowa state income tax return
• Iowa driver’s license
• Utility bill (water, gas or electric)

If a student gives misleading or incorrect information for the purpose of evading payment of non-resident fees, he or she must pay the non-resident fees for each semester the student was not officially classified as a non-resident.

It is the responsibility of the student to request a reclassification of residency status. If a student is reclassified as a resident for tuition purposes, such classification shall be effective beginning with the next semester for which the student enrolls. In no case shall reclassification to residency status be made retroactive for tuition and fee purposes, even though the student could have previously qualified for residency status had the student applied.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the Request to Change Residency Status, contact the Registrar.

New Student Orientation

Orientation provides students the opportunity to get their questions answered and their checklist completed before starting classes. Students should plan to attend a new student orientation on campus or virtually prior to the start of their first semester. Many students will also be invited by their faculty to attend an additional mandatory program orientation. Services and resources highlighted at New Student Orientation include confirming your schedule, verifying your financial aid, getting your student ID, finding your classrooms and more. For specific details and dates on orientation visit www.nicc.edu/orientation.

Academic Advising

Advisors guide and support students as they determine career goals, help them develop an education plan, connect students with resources and services on campus and assist students in course selection and registration. Advisors are guided by a commitment to promote student development, critical thinking and personal responsibility.

An advisor is assigned to students during their first semester of enrollment.  NICC has mandatory advising which requires that students meet with their advisor (in person, virtually, via phone, or by email) at least once each semester prior to registration for the upcoming semester. Students are expected to take an active role in the advising process by being prepared for advising meetings and understanding their degree requirements. Those seeking to continue their education after completing their degree at NICC are advised to begin the transfer planning process early. Further advising information is available at www.nicc.edu/academicadvising.

Students may request an advisor change by completing a form in the Student Services Office.

Course Registration

Registration for the Fall semester opens in April and for Spring and Summer semesters in October each year.  New student registration begins one week after continuing student registration opens.  Dates are posted for students and they must contact their advisor to initiate the registration process as well as discuss educational goals and degree requirements. The final decision on course selection and registration is the student’s responsibility.

International Students

Admissions

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, not a permanent resident of the U.S. and you are interested in attending NICC, please follow the outlined procedure below. Your admission will not be granted and an I-20 will not be issued until all of the requested information has been received. All forms are available from the Admissions Office or at www.nicc.edu/international.

• Complete an application for admission.
• Submit an official, secondary school transcript showing all courses and grades. All documents must be in English.
• If applicable, submit an official college or university transcript showing courses and grades of college/university work taken in English.
• Along with the Financial Statement and Certification Form, submit an official, certified copy of a financial guarantee letter from an accredited financial institution showing an available balance of $24,500 to cover living and academic expenses. All documents must be in English and currency in US Dollars.
• Complete the certification of Health Insurance Form showing proof of current and future health insurance coverage.
• Provide one of the following forms of English proficiency:
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL score of 61 on the internet-based version
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum overall band score of 6.0
• Official transcript showing completion of freshman level English at an accredited US college or university.
• Satisfy the ACCUPLACER or ACT course placement requirements for enrollment into College Composition I and college level reading courses
• Provide a copy of current passport. If applicable, provide a copy of current visa.

If students are transferring from another US school: request, complete and submit a transfer form. The transfer form is used by F1 Visa students coming to Northeast Iowa Community College from another U.S. institution.

Once completed, all application materials should be submitted as a packet to the campus you plan to attend. Please direct any questions concerning the application forms to the admission representative for your respective campus.

Admission Deadlines

International students must have all necessary application materials submitted to the Admissions Office by the appropriate application deadline date. Applicants currently residing outside the United States must submit all application materials no later than 60 days prior to the semester start date. Transfer applicants (a student with a valid I-20, studying at a US college/university) must submit all application materials no later than 45 days prior to the semester start date.

Expenses

International students tuition and fees are $250 per credit hour. Estimated annual academic expenses based on the 2022-2023 tuition rates are listed below as a guideline for planning your education and are not reflective of actual costs that the student may incur:

All of the expense information is subject to change.

International students are not eligible for Federal or State of Iowa Financial Aid. If you have any questions concerning the application for admission, please contact the Admissions Office at either campus.

Standards of Academic Progress

International students must enroll in at least 12 or more credit hours, unless approved by the international advisor, and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing. Any international student failing to maintain a 2.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation. International students on academic probation may enroll the following semester on a probationary status.

For a student to be removed from academic probation, a cumulative 2.0 GPA must be achieved or substantial academic improvement must be evident to the student’s international advisor. If, after the probationary semester, the student has not shown significant improvement toward their GPA, the student’s enrollment will be terminated.

Standards for Healthcare Career Programs

Northeast Iowa Community College’s Healthcare Career Programs are committed to ensuring that students are afforded an academic environment that is dedicated to the advancement of learning and that is based on the principles of equitable access and individual dignity; as such, they are committed to facilitating the integration of students with disabilities into the College community. Each Healthcare Career Program also strives to preserve the academic integrity of the College and the program by affirming that all students satisfy the essential requirements of the program and program courses.

The Iowa Community College health education leaders have established Iowa Core Performance Standards that identify the abilities essential for effective performance in a healthcare career program. The Iowa Core Performance Standards are used to assist students in determining whether accommodations are necessary and provide an objective measure upon which informed decisions can be based about whether students can participate in a healthcare career program. These standards are available to all students prior to admission.
 
Each student with a disability is entitled to reasonable accommodation that will assist them to meet the program standards and academic requirements. Reasonable accommodation cannot compromise the essential requirements of a program or client/patient safety and well-being. The purpose of a reasonable accommodation is to ensure the student with a disability has the same opportunity as their student peers to attain the required operational level, but is not meant to guarantee success in the program.  Exploring reasonable accommodation options may involve the exercise of flexibility by both the College and the student with disability, while maintaining the academic and technical standards and requirements of the program. The student with a disability must be able to demonstrate the requisite knowledge and behaviours, and perform the necessary skills independently and safely.

Before accepting an offer of admission, students who may require disability related accommodations are strongly advised to review the policies, procedures, and regulations regarding accommodations and consult with Disability Services and/or the Department Dean. Please note that certain accommodations obtained in previous educational settings may not be appropriate, particularly with respect to clinical requirements.

Fraudulent Academic Credentials

Any person seeking to become a student at NICC who submits a fraudulent or altered academic credential to the College or who is found to have fraudulently altered NICC academic credentials or records will be subject to penalties including suspension or expulsion from the College and/or legal prosecution.