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Colleges / IA / Cedar Rapids
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Kirkwood Community College

Public Cedar Rapids, IA · Urban · Plains · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
42%
Graduation Rate
$41,016
Earnings (10yr)
$9,705
Net Price
7,591
Enrollment

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Overview

Kirkwood Community College serves 7,591 students and maintains a net price of $9,705, making it an accessible option for many. With a graduation rate of 42%, the college supports a diverse student body in pursuing various career pathways, including humanities, health professions, and technical fields.

Data from Opportunity Insights showcases that students from lower-income backgrounds have opportunities for upward mobility after attending Kirkwood. While specific mobility rates are not available, the college’s focus on practical programs aligns with strong job placement rates in fields like business and IT, which can enhance economic prospects for graduates.

Graduates of Kirkwood earn an average of $41,016 a decade after enrollment, a solid return on investment given the median debt of $12,000. Students who thrive here are often those looking for a practical education that leads directly to employment. The college is particularly suited for individuals pursuing technical skills or those entering health professions, where demand continues to grow.

Rankings

How Kirkwood Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation42%Earnings 10yr$41KNet Price$10KRetention71%Median Debt$12KPell Grant Rate24%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$7K$0-30K$7K$30-48K$10K$48-75K$14K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%810.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1126.0%MOBILITY91.23%

Cost & Financial Aid

$6,176
In-State Tuition
$8,220
Out-of-State
$9,705
Avg Net Price
$12,000
Median Debt
24%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$6,967
Family Income $0–$30K
$7,084
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,514
Family Income $48K–$75K
$14,091
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$37,525
6 Years After Entry
$38,825
8 Years
$41,016
10 Years
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
58%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$37,525 6yr $38,825 8yr $41,016 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

91.23%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1126.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
810.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$75,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.43
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.0%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.098%
Inventor Rate
17
Total Patents
37
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 71%
Full-Time Faculty 100%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,363
Diversity Index 0.55
First-Gen Students 39%

Top Programs

Humanities 25%
Health Professions 23%
Business & Marketing 15%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 7%
Computer Science & IT 6%
Precision Production 3%
Visual & Performing Arts 3%
Criminal Justice 3%