College Guide - Fall 2018

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 |

college guide

Sunday, September 23, 2018

1

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

2 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

College wish lists easy to find Treasure trove of online data can help students better target schools ‌ WESTON | NerdWallet LIZ

‌T

he college application process can seem pretty mysterious to the uninitiated.

But what colleges want from their applicants isn’t a secret. Schools telegraph what they’re after in the form of big data that’s available online to anyone.

High school students can use that data to apply where they will be strong candidates, boosting their chances of admission and financial aid. Here’s what to look for:

Use data to find best match

Each year, colleges supply reams of admission and financial aid statistics, known as the Common Data Set, to satisfy the demands of various education

publishers, says college consultant Lynn O’Shaughnessy.

The information can be found by searching for the college’s name and the phrase “common data set,” or at college comparison sites such as CollegeData.

Among other figures, the statistics for each school include: The cost to attend.

How much student loan debt the average graduate incurs.

What percentage of applicants are accepted.

Average grades and test scores of incoming freshmen.

At Stanford University, for example, 75 percent of incoming students for the 2016-2017 academic year scored 700 or above on their math SATs (the top score is 800), 94 percent had grade point averages above 3.75 and 95 percent ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

Top-flight grades and scores don’t guarantee entrance into any selective school, of

course. Stanford accepts just 5 percent of those who apply.

But knowing the stats of the incoming class can help students eliminate longshot choices and focus on schools where they’re more likely to gain admission.

Target schools that want you

Having grades and test scores that are above the school’s average can help with both odds of admission and financial aid packages, college consultants say.

The best financial aid deals may come not from highly selective schools or large public universities but from smaller liberal arts colleges that are trying harder to attract good applicants, Cohen says.

“I tell students, ‘Please consider being the big fish in a smaller pond,’” Cohen says. “Why wouldn’t you want to be at a place where they’re throwing rose petals at your feet?”

Clues to how a school evaluates applicants can be found in the data set’s “admissions factors.” These detail how each

school weighs 19 admissions criteria, from class rank to extracurricular activities.

Many schools, for example, rate as “very important” the difficulty of the applicant’s high school courses and his or her academic grade point average. Some heavily weigh standardized tests; o t h e rs don’t.

“Level of applicant’s interest” is another differentiator. Colleges care about their “yield,” or the percentage of applicants who accept an offer of admission. Some want to see definite signs of interest from applicants, including campus visits and responding to emails from the admissions office.

Know better. Do better.

As a credit union, we help educate our members on how to get money ahead. Our free Education Planning Toolkit can help you decide whether college is the right choice for you—after all, it will be one of the biggest financial decisions of your lifetime (no pressure). Download the free Toolkit at dupaco.com/ ExploreYourOptions

Federally Insured

by NCUA

Borrow smart.

If college is in your plans, borrow only what you need.

Dupaco’s Extra Credit Student Loan can cover gaps left by grants, scholarships, and federal loans. Apply once and borrow for up to five years without re-applying.1

Keep it local.

Learn more: dupaco.com/StudentLoan

If you’ve incurred student debt, consider refinancing.

Dupaco’s student loan refinance option means you’ll be working with your local, trusted credit union. Plus, you’ll benefit from flexible repayment terms, no origination fees, and no prepayment penalities.2

1 Subject to credit qualification and annual credit review. Borrowers must become a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union.

2 Subject to credit qualification and additional criteria, including graduating from an approved school. Borrowers must become a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union.

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Hawkeye trains students with the skills they need for success in today’s high-demand advanced manufacturing careers, including welding, computer numerical control (CNC), industrial automation technology and electronics engineering technology. offers nearly 45 career and technical programs so students can go from the classroom to a career in two years or less.

For Trevor Ambrose, that meant pursuing a career in police science. Ambrose, a New Hampton High School graduate, started at Hawkeye after playing football for a semester at another college. He became interested in law enforcement and heard great things about Hawkeye’s program.

“The professors at Hawkeye have worked in the field,” Ambrose said. “They bring that experience and knowledge with them to the classroom. You’re going to have real-life experiences thrown at you in the classroom. You’re going to learn a lot and learn it fast.”

There are many ways for students to stay active at the Health Education & Services Center, which offers exercise facilities, personal training, fitness classes and intramural sports.

Plus, there are many student events on campus, like the popular Fall Fest celebration, Holiday Hoopla, Grad Transfer Fair and Ethnic Culture Fest.

Each year, approximately than 5,000 students choose Hawkeye. To explore career or degree options, contact Hawkeye and schedule a campus visit by calling (319) 296-4000 or visiting www.hawkeyecollege.edu/visit.

REASON #10: PERSONAL ATTENTION

COURTESY PHOTO‌

“

I felt that each of my instructors truly cared.

Nursing school is a huge undertaking, and I found

myself making friendships that will last a lifetime.

– Kim Miller, Nursing

7. Study S Abroad 8. Small Class Sizes 9. Flexible Schedules 10.

Personal sonal Attention 11. Minimesters 12. Support Networks 13.

Dedic Dedicated Academic Advisors 14. Student Tutoring & Comput Computer

“

I really like the faculty here. They will do anything to help you. From help with homework to just talking to you when you’re having a bad day.

– Kristi Mensen, Animal Science

Lab 15. Student Health Clinic 16. Career Services Center 17. Career eer Fairs 18. Our Campus 19. Virtual Hospital 20. Dental Clinic 21.

Innov vation tion 22. Technolog Technology 23. Libr Library 24. F Farm Lab 25. Me Meat

“

I loved Hawkeye, I loved the atmosphere. They treated me great, and it’s been an awesome start to a life I wanted.

“

‌ ften, students don’t know O which major is right for them when they start college. That’s why Hawkeye Community College is the choice for so many high school graduates. You can explore a variety of career options or you can complete the first two years of a four-year degree before transferring to a college or university. And it won’t cost you a small fortune, either.

That’s right, Hawkeye doesn’t expect students to have all the answers up front.

“I came here without much a clue about what I wanted to study,” said Emma Wendel, Sumner-Fredericksburg graduate who completed a liberal arts transfer degree at Hawkeye before moving to the University of Northern Iowa to finish a fouryear degree.

“That’s why I really liked Hawkeye. They had a lot of options. I took things like Intro to Business, Intro to Psychology … and I really liked the campus and the atmosphere.”

Thanks to a partnership with UNI, Hawkeye students receive advising and resources for a seamless transition when they transfer, including guaranteed admission and housing.

Hawkeye offers many ways for students to get involved, gain leadership and meet friends.

There are many clubs and organizations, as well as arts and culture events, internships, RedTail athletics,and more.

Wendel joined Student Ambassadors, a group of students who help the Admissions office promote Hawkeye with campus tours and special events on and off campus.

“It helped me get involved and build strong connections with the professors,” she said. “Plus, I like interacting with prospective students, and I’ve met some of my closest friends through that.”

For students like Emma, Hawkeye is a smart way to get a head start on a four-year degree.

And for students who are looking to start a career quickly, Hawkeye

1. 50+ Programs 2. Real-World Knowledge 3. Hands-On Learning 4.

Unique Opportunities 5. Transfer Made Easy 6. Hawkeye-UNI Partnership

“

Find career options at Hawkeye Community College

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 3

“

– Nate Milius, Agricultural Business Management

Lab26.

26. Student Life 27. Brock Student Center 28. Dining Dollars Card 29. Holiday Hoopla 30. Student Leadership 31. Fall Fest 32. Hawkeye Card 33. Recreation tion 34. Art Arts & Cultur Culture 35. Health Educ Education tion & Servic Services Cent Center 36. Intr Intramurals 37. Group Fitness Classes 38. Bike Share 39. Hawkeye RedTails Athletics There are many reasons why students choose 40. Sports Shooting 41. Soccer 42. Golf 43. Dance Team 44. Rusty the RedTail Hawkeye Community College. What will be yours?

45.

Affordable 46.

Financial Aid 47.

Scholarships 48.

Convenient #EXPERIENCEHAWKEYE Housing 49.

Employers Love Our Graduates 50.

Great Stories Begin Here

www.hawkeyecollege.edu/visit 319-296-4000

4 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

YEAR-BY-YEAR

college-prep guide for high schoolers (and parents) ALISON SLATER TATE

‌M

Special to The Washington Post ‌

y friends and I like to bore our kids with stories about how we applied to college back in the Gen-X heyday: We had to pull forms off the back of college brochures, type all our information and essay responses on an actual typewriter, and mail them at the post office. After that we held our breath and hoped for fat envelopes in April.

Now the high school Class of 2019 is in the thick of the college application season, and one thing is certain: This is not their mothers’ process. In many ways it’s easier, with online applications, virtual campus tours and email.

But it’s still tedious. And though the stakes seem higher and the outcomes more uncertain, the reality is that 80 percent of U.S. colleges and universities accept more than half their applicants, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2017 State of College Admission report.

Those should be reassuring odds. Nonetheless, if you’re the parent of a teenager with college aspirations, you’ve probably wished for a CliffsNotes guide to the application process to help you both survive the experience with minimal emotional scarring.

Here’s a primer, based on input from parents, college-counseling experts and test-prep gurus:

Freshman year

The best goal for college-bound students throughout high school is to choose a course load that will challenge them but not crush them, beginning freshman year.

The rigor of a high school transcript is one of the most

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

important standards in college admissions; too often, however, students believe that means they should take advanced classes, even when such classes are inappropriate for them. Encourage your child to push boundaries, but within reason.

Freshman year is also a great time for students to explore clubs, sports and activities as they figure out what they enjoy most and want to commit to for the next few years. Admissions Revolution’s Sara Harberson, an independent college counselor and former college admissions dean, encourages students to think outside the box when it comes to their extracurriculars.

“The vast majority of high school students are all doing very similar activities either at their high school or in their com-

munity,” Harberson said. “When students have the courage to do something that’s a little bit different, they can really chart their own path and create incredible opportunities for themselves.”

Teens should feel free to try rock climbing instead of baseball, or take hula lessons instead of ballet. And by starting to explore activities in ninth grade, Harberson said, they’ll have plenty of time to “develop that independent interest.”

Sophomore year

Once students feel they are on stable ground, the real work (and, ideally, fun) of high school begins.

Sophomores will want to narrow down their extracurricular activities to a few meaningful interests that might include a job, team, club or service opportunity.

Colleges value true engagement and long-term commitment to whatever students choose to pursue, Harberson said.

Harberson also suggested sophomores begin engaging with teachers more, and start considering them as potential mentors — and, later, recommendation writers. “The best letters of recommendation for college come from core academic teachers who have been able to interact with students beyond the traditional classroom,” she said.

Tenth grade is not a bad time to start college visits, even if only casually. College tours can help students determine what they like (or don’t) about campuses or programs. Encourage them to think about basic preferences: Do they love big football games, or would they prefer less emphasis

on sports? How do they feel about living somewhere with long winters? Are they more comfortable on a rural campus, urban campus or somewhere in between? College is more than just a place to go to school — it will be their home for at least four years.

Most important, check the net price calculator on the financial aid page of colleges’ websites to see if the schools will be feasible for your family. You can save everyone heartbreak later by being honest and transparent about the colleges you can afford. Begin having family financial conversations in 10th grade, before your student has a chance to set their hearts on one particular (and potentially $70,000 a year) college.

One aspect that sophomores do not need to worry about: standardized test prep. “For freshmen and sophomores, ‘prep’ should consist of paying attention in your classes, developing solid study skills, and reading books and articles of your choosing outside of school,” said Jed Applerouth, the founder and president of Applerouth Tutoring. “If you build your reading skills and master the material covered in your high school classes, you will be well-positioned to achieve strong scores on the SAT and ACT.”

Junior year

In junior year students begin to feel ownership of their high school experience. This is when they can focus on making a personal impact in any area they choose — whether it’s by helping plan their school’s homecoming week, raising their math grades, volunteering in the community or completing other goals or projects.

It is also the ideal time to start studying for and taking stan-

Senior year

Senior year is go time — in every way.

By the early fall of senior year, students should have a college list that includes “reach” schools, for which admission is unlikely; “targets,” where the student’s academic profile matches the institution and admission is a good possibility; and “likelies,” or colleges where the student is very confident in their chances of admission.

For the most stress-free college application process, include at least one college or university that your teen genuinely loves, that is likely to accept them and that your family can afford.

Once seniors have decided where they are applying, they can determine when and how. They should apply with a binding early-decision option if—and only if — it is their first choice, they are committed to attending and they can afford the costs.

For most students, a nonbinding, early-action application might work better. Both options

will have deadlines between mid-October and mid-November.

Otherwise, seniors will need to check the deadlines for regular decision applications, which can vary from November to as late as May for some colleges with rolling admissions. All of these applications might include recommendation letters from counselors and teachers as well as personal essays and supplemental questions from each university.

Parents have a deadline, too: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form becomes available Oct. 1, and parents should complete it as soon as possible for maximum aid possibilities. Even if your family does not qualify for need-based aid, many colleges require a completed FAFSA to consider applicants for merit-based aid.

For many students, the essay can be the most difficult part of the application process; they simply have no idea what to write about.

“I really like to challenge smart, self-aware students to write their essays about something that doesn’t show up anywhere else on their application,” Harberson said. “It’s the little things that all of us do in our everyday life that exemplify who we are when no one is looking and keeping track.

If students are willing to be vulnerable and share feelings and emotions when they write about themselves, those admissions officers will melt.”

Once the essay is written and the application sent, there’s nothing to do but wait — typically for online notifications, not fat envelopes.

Although the process doesn’t much resemble what you went through, one thing is still true: The most important result is a child who is healthy emotionally, mentally and physically.

So the CliffsNotes version is this: Encourage your teen to strive to be the best version of themselves throughout high school. They are enough; they don’t have to be perfect. They will find the right place. Repeat this early and often, and the rest is details.

8 WEEK CLASSES

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 5

SCHEDULE A CAMPUS VISIT TO UIU Today!

ONLY NCAA DIVISION II SCHOOL IN

REGISTER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP CAMPUS VISIT AT UIU.EDU/VISIT2018

2-3 CLASSES PER SESSION

20

SPORTS TEAMS OVER

dardized tests. Whether they prep with a tutor or on their own, Applerouth encourages students to take their time. “You cannot rush this,” he said. “Students need time to review concepts, to hone their strategy and to practice under controlled, timed conditions.”

Whether they take the SAT or ACT, Applerouth advises that students plan to sit for three official test administrations. “The majority of our students peak on the third and final official test,” he said.

If your teen’s standardized test scores don’t accurately represent their academic potential, all is not lost. More than 1,000 schools in the country have test-optional applications, including renowned institutions such as Wake Forest University, the University of Chicago and George Washington University.

This year is also prime college-touring time. Some colleges will plan open houses or preview days specifically for high school juniors — check the admissions section of college websites to register.

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

40

GRADUATE & UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

PEACOCK VISIT DATES

2018 Saturday, October 6 Saturday, November 3 Saturday, December 1: Accepted Student Day 2019 Monday, February 18 Saturday, April 6: Junior Visit Day Saturday, July 20

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

CHECK OUT OUR CENTER IN WATERLOO! UIU - Waterloo Center 3563 University Ave. Waterloo, IA 50701 319.232.6980 waterloo@uiu.edu uiu.edu/waterloo

6 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Experience Ellsworth Community College ‌IOWA FALLS — What does it mean to experience Ellsworth Community College?

This close-knit atmosphere makes Ellsworth 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 more than 55 degree programs to choose from, ranging from nursing to criminal justice and athletic training to agriculture. You can keep busy with an array of student clubs, activities and sporting events to attend.

ECC has one of the highest student success rates of any community college in Iowa. Another reason so many students choose to start their college experience at Ellsworth and then transfer credits for a bachelor’s

COURTESY PHOTO‌

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 re-

sources as those attending a Regent university.

Many ECC students majoring in engineering, marketing or veterinary medicine choose dual enrollment because it also allows them to save money by earning credits before transferring to a big university. Other ECC degree programs such as nursing, mobile service technology or equine management lead directly to a career after graduation. Many other programs are transferrable, so you can earn valuable (and transferrable) credits while you decide on a career path.

Here’s even more good news about Ellsworth: Over $800,000 is awarded in ECC scholarships each year.

More than 90 percent of our 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, sport 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 (641) 648-4611 or 800-322-9235 or eccinfo@iavalley.edu. There’s more information online at EllsworthCollege.com.

Ellsworth Community College An amazing experience!

ECC has more than 55 degree program options, from Agriculture and Criminal Justice to Equine Science, Graphic Design and Nursing.

ECC students graduate with $10,200 to $15,920 less debt than students at Iowa’s public universities or private colleges.

And ECC’s partnerships with UNI, Iowa State and Iowa make it easy to transfer your Ellsworth credits.

Ellsworth’s not the biggest... just the BEST! Call or visit the ECC Admissions Office to apply for scholarships and EXPERIENCE ELLSWORTH!

ELLSWORTH

Community College iowa valley community college district

1100 College Avenue, Iowa Falls, IA l 1-800-322-9235 l

eccinfo@iavalley.edu l

ecc.iavalley.edu

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 7

Leading-edge learning spaces, affordable education at NIACC ‌MASON CITY — At North Iowa Area Community College, your success is our top priority.

Brand new state-of-theart Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) wing. Opening this fall, you will have the opportunity to learn in almost 30,000 square feet of new spacious, flexible classrooms and innovative labs.

Everything about this space has been built to provide collaborative areas for students to hang out, study, and work with peers and instructors. A maker-space classroom creates an environment for flexible learning with tables and chairs that fold up and tables that function as a whiteboards.

The well-lit rooms and hallways benefit from abundant natural light and the numerous energy conservation practices in place create a healthy and earthfriendly learning environment.

COURTESY PHOTO‌

Innovative. Within the past three years we have also opened a new Health Care Simulation Center and Diesel Technology Center to provide students with innovative, real-world learning opportunities and experiences.

It’s an exciting time on the NIACC campus!

Affordable. We believe that your education should be affordable. Beginning a four-year college degree at NIACC will save your family over $8,000 in the first two years. Additionally, NIACC and the NIACC Foundation award over $1,000,000 in scholarships each year!

Home away from home.

If you are hoping to stay close to home — but still have the complete college experience — our new Campus View Student Housing Complex fits the bill beautifully. The housing complex features floor lounges with large screen TVs, gorgeous

Our new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) wing features the latest in design and technology. Spacious, flexible classrooms, state-of-the-art labs, and ample collaborative spaces emphasize connectivity between faculty and students and inspire innovative learning.

lake views, a convenience store, computer lab and access to a Success Coach. Individual rooms have a loft feel with wireless internet, cable TV, quartz countertops, wood laminate floors and tile showers.

Whether you have already mapped out a plan for your life or are considering many possibilities, an education at NIACC will provide you with the opportunities and support to learn more, do more, and become more. Small class sizes and supportive faculty ensure that you will never feel lost in the crowd.

See what our students have to say: http://niacc.college-tour. com. Then, schedule your campus visit — we would love to show you around!

Whatever your educational goals are and wherever you are in your journey, we will help you get there. Make NIACC your first choice!

8 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Discover success in classrooms, career and life at

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY ‌FAYETTE — Since its inception in 1857, Upper Iowa University’s 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 5,800 students worldwide.

Students get a traditional college experience of excellent education, tradition and innovation within a comfortable and welcoming campus environment in Fayette, Iowa. However, as a UIU education is an Education Built for Life, the university also has 20 education centers across the United States — as well as multiple centers in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

To further inspire success and empower lives, UIU provides evening classes, expert faculty and supportive staff that students need to advance their career while still tending to family, job and other day-today responsibilities. UIU is also a recognized leader in online and self-paced education, so students never need to go far for an exceptional education.

“I am able to reach my educational goals because UIU offers night classes,” said Dawn Laws, an elementary education major attending the UIU-Waterloo Center. “If evening classes were not available, I don’t know how I would be able to work full time during the day and pursue my degree.”

UIU 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

COURTESY PHOTO‌

UIU students typically take less classes at a time. Many students blend their degree plan by taking both face-to-face and online courses.

Other students get a jump on completion by easily transferring in up to 90 undergraduate credits or 12 graduate credits from other schools. Credits may also be earned through an individual’s work experience via an experiential learning portfolio or various college examinations.

With a universitywide 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the UIU experience helps students become confident in their abilities, challenges them to achieve their educational and career goals, connects them with professionals within their desired field, and inspires them 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.

Financial and military assistance UIU has competitive tuition and highly skilled professionals to help students understand and make the most of financial aid. In addition, 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 new transfer tuition scholarship program; eligible students earn a scholarship of up to $19,820. In addition, UIU’s Corporate Advantage Program provides tuition grants and other benefits to employees of participating companies.

UIU is also a proud participating institution in the Principles of Excellence and Yellow Ribbon programs, having been repeatedly named a top Military-Friendly University by Military Advanced Education &

Transition and Victory Media.

The university 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, the UIU Military and Veterans Service Center (MVSC) provides a relaxing physical space for veterans and military-affiliated students to study and connect with other students. Assistance is available to students and the University’s total military family who need help navigating all of UIU’s resources.

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.

The most recent of the UIU graduate programs, the master of sport administration is an online degree program in a fast-paced curriculum. Each student is re-

quired to complete a minimum of 36 credits with an emphasis in sport management or coaching and leadership education. An 18-credit leadership certificate also is available to students not seeking a college degree.

The UIU master of education is tailored to the needs of classroom teachers and accommodates the tight schedules of working adults. The master of business administration is a forward-thinking curriculum providing students a perspective in leadership, functional department integration, ethical management and risk assessment. The program provides learners the opportunity to examine ethical and managerial issues in a respected educational environment supporting lifelong learning. In addition, the master of public administration degree provides learners with the current theories, concepts and learning models necessary to assume leadership roles with a nonprofit agency or in the public sector.

“Upper Iowa’s online MPA program has allowed me the ability to juggle being a wife, mom to four children, full-time graduate student and a full-time government employee,” said Michelle J. Chavez, a 2018 MPA graduate from Waverly.

“I plan to use my MPA degree to secure a promotion within the federal agency I currently work for or to move into a management position for a different government entity. The sky is the limit now.”

For additional information about Upper Iowa University and Fayette campus, visit uiu. edu or call 800-553-4150. To learn more about evening courses and the Upper Iowa online and self-paced programs specific to UIU-Waterloo Center, call (319) 232-6980.

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 9

World-class education tailored for working adults ‌Purdue University Global understands that working adults approach learning differently than traditional college-aged students. That’s why we’re proud to deliver a fully personalized, world-class education online that’s tailored for adults. By opening the doors to students who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from a school within a respected university system — 100 percent online.* Our innovative learning options let you choose what, how and where you learn, giving you control over your schedule, pace and learning path the path that will help you gain the skills you need to make an immediate impact on your career and the edge to conquer whatever comes next.

Nationally ranked and respected Purdue Global is part of the Purdue University system, which also includes Purdue University, one of the most respected research universities in the world and ranked fifth best public university in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal/ Times Higher Education.§

built on the latest industry trends Courses taught by highly respected faculty members who are experts in their fields Hands-on, interactive learning in some of the most in-demand fields, including business, IT, nursing, health sciences, education, criminal justice, psychology and public administration

World-Class education online

Flexibility built around needs of working adults

We offer 180 online programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Our innovative approach to teaching and modern curriculum give you the skills you need to make an immediate impact on your career and the edge to compete in this fast-changing world economy.

No matter which program you select, you’ll find: A career-focused curriculum

Purdue Global puts you in control of your education, offering innovative learning options that let you choose what, how and where you learn. Our advisors work closely with you to understand your personal learning needs. They also evaluate your academic, professional, or military experiences to help you earn credit for what you already know. Together, we’ll help

you determine the fastest, most affordable path to your degree.

Learn 100 percent online from anywhere in the world. You can also visit one of our Iowa locations to take advantage of local, onsite support and services. Our virtual classroom lets you experience course materials and collaborative tools that provide the best elements of any traditional, campus-based instructional approach.

Courses include interactive live seminars where you meet weekly with your instructor and classmates from around the world in a virtual classroom to review and discuss important topics. This collaborative and structured learning environment is ideal for students who want a schedule of learning activities and regular interaction with faculty and peers.

One-on-one support

We work with students just

like you every day who are juggling work and family responsibilities while pursuing their education. By looking at every student individually, we ensure you will never be alone on your educational journey. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are here with you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals, providing one-on-one mentoring and personalized assistance on everything from coursework to career searches.

Our full range of services include: Individual student advising; Hands-on learning through our interactive online classroom; No-cost tutoring in math, science, and writing; and Comprehensive career counseling services before and Please see WORKING, Page 11

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION FOR IOWA’S WORKING ADULTS Public • Nonprofit • Online

Part of the respected Purdue University system, Purdue University Global is making a high-quality college education accessible to those who need online* flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives.

• Choose from more than 180 degrees and certificates.

• Get 1:1 support online or in person at an Iowa location.

• Save time and money—earn up to 75% of undergraduate credits from prior learning and eligible work experience.† • Choose traditional online classes or ExcelTrack™ online competency-based degrees that let you set your own pace. * Some online programs also require you to gain hands-on experience in an actual work environment. Contact an Advisor for information. † See University Catalog for Prior Learning Assessment policy.

15100 8/18

Terms Start Every 11 Weeks. Learn More at CedarFalls.PurdueGlobal.edu.

10 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Learn real-world skills at Mount Mercy University CEDAR RAPIDS — Mount ‌ Mercy University highlights: MMU was ranked Iowa’s Best College 2017–18 by Money magazine for educational quality, affordability, and alumni success.

MMU launched Cedar Rapids’ first doctoral programs in 2018: doctor of nursing practice and doctorate in marriage & family therapy.

Hands-on work in the community often accompanies classroom learning, giving students the experience needed to start their careers with confidence.

Established on five critical concerns — earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism and women — MMU’s curriculum guides students in working towards a more just, equal and peaceful world.

COURTESY PHOTO‌

Mount Mercy University President Laurie Hamen and MMU nursing students grind maze during Mount Mercy’s service-learning trip to Tanzania in January 2018. During the 2017–18 school year alone, the MMU community volunteered 17,000+ hours.

hands-on, real-world skills that easily open the doors to professional opportunity. More than 96 percent of our students start careers or enter graduate school within nine months of graduation, thanks to the time they spent working on in-depth research alongside professors, learning on study-abroad trips, or participating in other unparalleled experiences. Alumni launch careers at places like Google, Milwaukee Brewers, Boeing, Kellogg’s, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Academic excellence and career preparation

Mount Mercy was ranked No. 1 among all Iowa colleges — based on educational qualSuccess follows Mount ity, affordability, and alumni Mercy Mustangs success — on Money magaMount Mercy emphasizes zine’s “2017–18 Best Colleges

for Your Money” list. Our dedicated faculty members inspire students to lead fearlessly by blending an outstanding liberal arts education with superior career preparation. Our students participate in internships with international corporations like Transamerica, Quaker Oats and Rockwell Collins, often resulting in full-time employment after graduation.

Athletics and clubs

The Mount Mercy Mustangs compete in the NAIA Division I as part of the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Our 18 intercollegiate athletic teams own more than 40 conference championships and have made numerous NAIA national tournament appearances. Intramural sports like basketball, volleyball, golf, flag football and softball provide students with opportunities to compete in a

Undergraduate | Graduate | On Campus | Online

100%

74%

SCHOLARSHIPS

PARTICIPATE IN INTERNSHIPS OR OTHER CAREER-RELATED EXPERIENCES BEFORE GRADUATION

of freshmen

RECEIVE

18

MO

NE

YM

AG A Z I N E

17 –1 8

’S

BEST COL

GE LE

IOW A

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

20

IOWA’S BEST

COLLEGE based on educational quality, affordability & alumni success

VARSITY ATHLETIC TEAMS NAIA Heart of America Conference

of students

96% of MMU alumni

ARE EMPLOYED OR START GRADUATE SCHOOL WITHIN NINE MONTHS OF GRADUATION

Visit Us mtmercy.edu/visit September 29 | October 13 | October 26 | November 2 mtmercy.edu | 319-368-6460 | admission@mtmercy.edu |

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

less structured environment.

Students can also choose from several campus clubs and organizations, including Enactus, Student Government Association, Frisbee Club, Theater Club and Black Student Union. Mount Mercy also offers a cardio room, a weightlifting room, an outdoor volleyball court, racquetball and basketball courts and fitness classes.

Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex On 22 acres of land adjacent to the main campus, Mount Mercy University developed a premier outdoor athletic complex that opened in September 2017 — complete with Mondo turf fields and Musco LED lighting. The athletic complex provides a permanent home field for six of the university’s 18 intercollegiate teams: baseball, softball, men’s and women’s track & field and men’s and women’s soccer.

Community service

Accelerated (evening underService learning and social graduate classes): justice are the backbones of a 12 majors and 5 minors Mount Mercy education, and Online: BA: Religious Studies are core to the curriculum. Fac BAS: Applied Management ulty, staff, and students spent 17,500+ hours volunteering BBA: Business BBA: HR Management around the globe in the 2017–18 BBA: Management academic year. We infuse com BBA: Marketing munity service into all aspects BS: Health Care Adminisof campus life, encouraging students who are driven to help tration MA: Criminal Justice others and alumni who are eth MBA: Master of Business ical leaders.

Administration RN to BSN Degrees Total Cost (Undergraduate) Bachelor’s: 45+ programs of study Tuition & Fees 2017-18: Master’s: $31,998 Business Administration Room & Board: $9,534 Total Cost: $41,532 (MBA) Criminal Justice Education Financial assistance Marriage & Family Therapy All of our first-time freshmen Nursing receive financial aid, and all stu Strategic Leadership dents are eligible for institutional Doctoral: scholarships and grants that do Doctor of Nursing Practice not require repayment. Mount PhD in Marriage & Family Mercy is proud to offer partialTherapy and full-tuition scholarships

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 11

to qualifying students. Workstudy opportunities, state and federal grants and low-interest loans are also widely available.

Catherine McAuley Scholarship Education shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s what Sisters of Mercy Foundress Catherine McAuley believed in 1827, and it’s what Mount Mercy University still believes today. That’s why, in 2014, Mount Mercy announced the Catherine McAuley Scholars Program.

To qualify, students must graduate from an Iowa high school and meet an annual family income of $45,000 or less. Since its inception, 216 students have benefitted. Currently, the university proudly supports 140 McAuley Scholars, with 57 students in the 2018–19 freshman class — the largest cohort to date.

Learn more

Apply today at mtmercy.edu.

Working From 9

after graduation, including career planning, job searching, networking and more. *Some Purdue Global programs are not 100-percent online; some programs require you to gain hands-on experience in a real-world work environment.

Contact an Admissions Advisor for additional information. †See University Catalog for Prior Learning Assessment policy. ‡Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. §Source: www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/united-states/2018. Rankings apply to Purdue University – West Lafayette and not to Purdue Global.

Fall 2018 College Guide ❑ Ellsworth Community College 1100 College Ave. Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Admission: 641-648-4611 or 800-322-9235 Website: ellsworthcollege.com ❑ Hawkeye Community College 1501 East Orange Rd. Waterloo, IA 50701 Admission: 319-296-4000 Website: www.hawkeyecollege.edu ❑ Iowa State University 2433 Union Drive Ames, IA 50011 Admission: 515-294-5836 Website: www.iastate.edu ❑ Mount Mercy University 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Admission: 319-368-6460 Website: www.mtmercy.edu

❑ North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) 500 College Dr. Mason City, IA 50401 Admissions: 1-888-GO-NIACC Website: www.niacc.edu ❑ Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) 1625 Hwy. 150 South • Calmar, IA 52132 8342 NICC Drive. • Peosta, IA 52068 Admission: (Calmar) 800-728-2256 Admission: (Peosta) 800-728-7367 Website: www.nicc.edu ❑ Prairie Lakes Church 1907 Viking Rd. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Admissions: 319-266-2655 Website: prairielakeschurch.org/cll ❑ Purdue University Global - Cedar Rapids 3165 Edgewood Parkway, SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Admissions: 319-363-0481 Website: www.purdueglobal.edu/campuslocations/cedar-rapids-iowa

To request more information, check the desired box (es) and mail form or go online to www.wcfccourier.com

ATTN: SHEILA KERNS P.O. Box 540 Waterloo, IA 50704 | sheila.kerns@wcfcouier.com

❑ University of Iowa 108 Calvin Hall Iowa City, IA 52242 Admission: 319-335-3847 Website: www.uiowa.edu

❑ Upper Iowa University - Waterloo Center 3563 University Ave. Waterloo, IA 50701 Admission: 319-232-6980 Website: www.uiu.edu/waterloo

❑ University of Northern Iowa 002 Gilchrist Hall Cedar Falls, IA 50614 Admission: 319-273-2281 Website: www.uni.edu ❑ Upper Iowa University - Cedar Rapids 700 Bell Dr. Cedar Rapids, IA 52142 Admission: 319-848-8488 Website: www.uiu.edu/standout ❑ Upper Iowa University - Fayette Campus 605 Washington St., PO Box 1857 Fayette, IA 52142 Admission: 563-425-5281 or 800-553-4150 Website: www.uiu.edu

Check out the Fall College Guide at the link below: http://wcfcourier.com/app/ bookshelf/special

Name: ___________________________ Address:_____________________ City:________________ State:________ Zip Code:_____________________ High School:________________________Year of Graduation:_____________ Phone Number:__________________ Email:__________________________

12 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

THE COST OF COLLEGE

Skip student loan forbearance BRIANNA MCGURRAN | NerdWallet

F

orbearance is a way to stop making student loan payments temporarily.

It is not a long-term affordability strategy, or a way to put off repayment indefinitely. And that means very few people should use it — probably far fewer than are doing so right now.

In the second quarter of this year, 2.8 million federal student loan borrowers had loans in forbearance, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Almost 70 percent of borrowers who started repaying loans in 2013 used forbearance at some point in the next three years, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office; a fifth had loans in forbearance for 18 months or longer.

Many students didn’t grasp what they signed up for when they scrambled to afford their education. Forbearance is the quick fix they turn to when the bill overwhelms them. But if forbearance isn’t a good idea, follow these guidelines: Use income-driven repayment to make your loan payments more affordable over the long term.

Choose forbearance only for short, one-off financial crises, like when you have a big auto repair or medical bill to pay.

Here’s why:

What forbearance is

Forbearance allows you to pause payments, generally for up to 12 months at a time for federal loans. There are different types, but discretionary forbearance is the one that can creep up on you. It’s available to anyone with financial difficulties, and there’s no limit to how long you can get it for. Interest will keep adding up, meaning at the end of the forbearance period, you’ll owe more than you did before.

For instance, after putting $30,000 in loans on hold for 12 months at 6 percent interest, you’d owe about $31,800.

Think of forbearance as a last resort. It’s too easy to renew it and let your balance grow, while also spending each month without factoring in a student loan payment.

“Because forbearance can be applied for virtually any reason, you want to keep that for a potential emergency down the road, where you may not qualify for anything else,” says Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, a nonprofit that offers free student loan advice.

What forbearance isn’t

Forbearance is not the same as deferment, another way to stop making student loan payments. Deferment is a better option, since you won’t pay interest on subsidized student loans when they’re in deferment. You’ll qualify for deferment in certain circumstances — when you’re unemployed, for instance — so ask your student loan servicer if that’s an option before going with forbearance. Forbearance isn’t as easy to avoid when you have private loans. Private lenders generally offer fewer ways to lower payments unless you’ve already fallen behind, Mayotte says.

But it’s worth asking for interest-only or interest-free payments as an alternative.

More information online NerdWallet: Deferment and

forbearance: How to pause student loans; nerd.me/pause-student-loans

Federal Student Aid: Income-driven

repayment plan request; studentloans. gov/myDirectLoan/ibrInstructions.action

Smarter ways to get relief

Most people with student loans have federal loans, which means they’re eligible for income-driven repayment. These plans lower payments to a percentage of income; you can pay $0 if you have no earnings.

To qualify, some plans require you to show you can’t afford the standard 10year schedule, but one plan — called Revised Pay As You Earn — is available to all federal borrowers. Sign up for free at www. studentloans.gov.

Depending on the plan and the type of loans you have, the government may pay part of the interest that accrues if your payments don’t cover it. Your loans will also be forgiven if there’s any balance after 20 or 25 years of payments.

Income-driven repayment will help get you through a crisis, but staying on it for decades will mean owing more in interest.

Under current rules, you’ll also be taxed on the balance forgiven. Use income-driven repayment strategically by staying on it once you’ve found steadier financial footing. You can pay extra each month without penalty to get rid of your loans faster, and a lower payment is there as a safety net if you need it.

This is your chance to take back control of your loans and to keep them from dictating the life you can afford.

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Mental health clubs making difference for students AMY ELLIS NUTT

The Washington Post ‌

Mental health problems ‌ among college students have been climbing since the 1990s, according to the American Psychological Association. And with services increasingly stretched at campus health centers, students have been taking action themselves through peer-run mental health clubs and organizations.

The approach appears to be paying off, a new study finds.

In what they describe as the largest study of its kind, researchers found that across 12 California colleges, such student-run efforts were associated with increased awareness of mental-health issues, reduced stigma and a rise in “helping behaviors.”

“Student-organized activities can improve college student mental health attitudes and play an important role in improving the campus climate with respect to mental health,” said Bradley Stein, a senior physician policy researcher at the Rand Corp. and one of the paper’s lead authors.

He and his colleagues call the unmet need for mental health care among students “a significant public health issue.”

The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, was based on an online survey that asked questions about mental-health awareness and familiarity with Active Minds. The national organization supports student-run mental health clubs on college campuses. It recently began working at the high school level and now has about 50 high school chapters among its more than 450 groups.

The survey, conducted three times during the 2016-2017 academic year, asked students about their familiarity with Active Minds as well as their attitudes about mental health and experiences with psychological difficulties, either their own or those of others. More than 1,100 students at the California colleges and

universities participated.

Based on the answers, researchers “graded” the students responding as having “low engagement,” “moderate engagement” or “high engagement” with Active Minds and mental health issues. Initially, 63 percent were in the “low engagement” group, 30 percent in the “moderate” group and 7 percent in the “high engagement” group.

By the end of the academic year, the results for the low and moderate groups showed that increased familiarity with Active Minds was associated not only with increased knowledge but decreased stigma and, perhaps most critically, a greater likelihood of helping another student in a mental health crisis.

“Student peer organizations can play an important role in changing the campus culture with respect to mental health and in supporting students getting to the mental health services they need,” the study concludes.

Active Minds was founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon after the suicide of her older brother.

“The peer relationship really makes a big difference,” said Lisa Adams, president of the American College Counseling Association. “The group atmosphere of learning while doing things together — it really meets them where they are because they care about their peers.”

Some Active Minds chapters are at community colleges, which have different, and sometimes more complex, mental health issues. These schools frequently have fewer resources to assist their students, who often come from different life circumstances.

“We see older students with pre-existing mental health issues,” said Janelle Johnson, president-elect of the American College Counseling Association and director of the mental health center at Santa Fe Community College. “We also see a lot of veterans who bring more mental-health issues with them.”

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 13

14 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Borrowing for college? Clean up your credit score financial aid picture. But don’t drain savings accounts to qualify for aid. Even if your student qualifies, you’ll likely have hefty college bills.

JOANNA NESBIT

Special to The Washington Post ‌

‌We all know college is expensive, but most families don’t understand true costs until senior year. This is when parents realize their college savings plan, if they have one, won’t be enough.

However, if you haven’t watched your financial footprint over the years, you might not be well-positioned for optimal borrowing. Assessing your financial house before senior year helps you create a plan and may uncover cash to put aside. According to finance experts, many families don’t look hard enough at ways to free up current cash flow for college. But if you anticipate borrowing due to income constraints, here’s what finance experts say you need to know.

Students should always borrow first‌ Before you borrow, your student should take available federal direct student loans (a.k.a.

Stafford). These loans impose a limit of $31,000 over five years to protect undergraduate students from exorbitant debt burden.

Student borrowing also protects parents. Your teen needn’t borrow the whole amount, and later, you can even help pay off loans if retirement goals are on track.

Parents shouldn’t overborrow If student loans don’t go far enough—they often don’t — parents can borrow, too. Typical parent borrowing includes taking a federal Parent PLUS loan, co-signing a private student loan, or tapping home equity.

Top credit scores (usually 750 or higher) qualify borrowers for low interest rates, says Tim Hewitt, Pennsylvania-based senior financial adviser with Wiley Group.

“That means thousands of dollars saved simply because you manage your credit well,” he says.

Families can also tap retirement accounts. But overborrowing or drawing down retirement funds

Several ways to borrow

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

can be dangerous.

Nannette Kamien, a college-focused financial adviser and owner of Inspiration Financial Planning, says loans are best used as a short-term solution for chunky bills if, for example, the college doesn’t offer a payment plan.

“Loans aren’t meant to be the primary way to finance college, and parents should consider whether a loan payment is realistic if they’re not able to free up income for college bills,” she says.

Many advisers prefer families avoid borrowing beyond student loans, and look at more affordable colleges instead.

Borrowing is a personal decision that requires thinking about current debt, job stability, your age, and number of kids. Assessing the whole picture is critical before taking loans for that first child, Hewitt says. No matter what college path, polishing your credit score will give you flexibility as you move deeper into college bills and second or third children.

Steps to repair credit

For a good credit score and access to low interest rates, paying bills on time is key — and paying the required minimum is imperative, though paying more or in

full is best, says Leah Ingram, author of a new book, The Complete Guide to Paying for College.

Your “credit utilization” ratio also affects credit score. Poorly managed credit cards can do real damage.

To monitor credit history, finance experts advise ordering credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to scour for late or unpaid bills and mistakes, which take time to fix or dispute. Initially, getting all three at once to compare them is best, says Rod Griffin, Experian’s director of public education.

You’re entitled to a free report from each agency once a year (order at annualcreditreport.com).

After that, reports cost $12.50, but free options exist. For Experian, the Experian app provides free credit reports and FICO scores and monitors credit. For TransUnion and Equifax, Credit Karma offers the same.

Credit reports include anything debt-related, though not every account is reported to all three agencies. These include mortgage loans, auto loans, credit cards, retail services’ installment loans, and collection accounts (unpaid bills that go to collections). Rent payments may be reported. Utility, cellphone, and cable bills usu-

ally aren’t.

Late payments remain on reports for seven years from the original delinquency date but may not be a big factor. “The further in the past a delinquency occurred, the less effect it has on your credit score,” Griffin says. “But catching up on late payments helps your score recover more quickly even though the late payment stays on your report.”

Credit reports don’t include credit scores, but purchasing one score report (approximately $15) is a good idea, Griffin says.

The report includes your credit score, “risk factors,” and actionable steps to repair credit. Scores typically vary across the three agencies, but risk factors tend to be consistent, so ordering one score report is adequate, Griffin says. Then, for ongoing tracking, many credit cards offer free FICO scores.

Ingram recommends tackling credit cleanup starting in middle school to allow time for black marks to fall off by college. Repairing credit anytime benefits you.

Paying down consumer debt before college also helps, Kamien says, translating into available cash for college. Eliminating debt may also reduce available savings and could improve your

Federal Parent PLUS loans are quite accessible. They can sink you for the same reason. With a fixed interest rate of 7 percent, they help people with mediocre credit scores, and they offer protections, including graduated or extended repayment and dischargement if the parent or student dies. They also include a hefty 4.264 percent origination fee.

Parents with top FICO scores can get better interest rates with private student loans. Ingram’s family qualified for 4 percent due to their 801 score. Keep in mind, although technically a student loan, parents typically must cosign because students don’t have qualifying credit history. That means parent credit is on the hook. It’s hard to hang onto low interest rates. As Ingram’s girls moved through college and she and her husband co-signed additional loans, their interest rates increased.

Taking a low-interest home equity line of credit (HELOC) might make more sense. A HELOC functions like a credit card in that you borrow only the amount you need as you go. Tying up too much money in college bills means it’s not available for home emergencies. Financial advisers also get nervous about adverse events like a job loss. However, if used wisely, Hewitt says, borrowing against equity can be a good choice.

The key is to assess finances early, long before that first tuition bill. College is a huge expense, so consider consulting a fee-based financial adviser who understands college. Also, Ingram recommends, begin amassing money a year ahead of the bills, however you intend to pay. Borrowing desperately in August can set you up for financial heartache down the road.

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Achieve your career goals at Northeast Iowa Community College ‌CALMAR — As students navigate high school, they need to make important life choices. At some point students are likely asking themselves: “What do I want to do after I graduate?”

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) works closely with 25 district high schools to help light the way for future high school graduates, whether they plan to attend NICC, a fouryear university or need time to explore careers. To help students plan for their academic and career futures, the college has developed career pathways for many occupations, including advanced manufacturing, business, health care and information technology. Career coaches at the college and the Career Learning Link program provide additional guidance and one-on-one support.

Recent high school graduates are beginning successful careers after graduating from the college and are furthering their education to develop their skills or continuing to earn a four-year degree.

One recent high school graduate, Dietsy Mitchell, completed numerous college credits through a concurrent enrollment agreement with NICC. Her participation in the Career Learning Link program as an upperclassman also brought her health care career goals into focus.

“When I first started my sophomore year, I had almost no idea of what sort of a career I might want to pursue. Once I had started working with my career coach at NICC, I was able to figure out what careers interested me most,” explained Dietsy, who earned 17 NICC credits by the time she graduated from high school.

“When I decided to become a nurse, I participated in job shadowing experiences and tours of healthcare providers. I had a

better idea of what going into the health field would be like.

The Career Learning Link program furthered my love for the health field.”

Dietsy started the associate degree of nursing at the college in January 2018. She was accepted into the program quickly because she completed many pre-requisite classes during high school. After completing her associate’s degree, she will be in-demand as a registered nurse and can pursue a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree as her career progresses.

Keith Hilby enrolled in the Welding diploma at NICC to advance his skills after graduating from high school. While working as a welder, his interest in advanced manufacturing grew, and he enrolled in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator — Career Pathway Certificate (CPC) program.

Training through Northeast Iowa Community College is vital to stay current in the machinist field, explained Keith. “Northeast Iowa Community College is a resource for everyone in the community. People can earn a degree, find a good job and then go back to the college during their careers to get where they want to be,” he said.

After earning his certificate, he found full-time employment as a CNC machinist, and he continues to take advanced training courses to stay current in the field.

Northeast Iowa Community College works closely with high schools to create opportunities for students to earn college credits, get a head start on their career goals and plan for their futures with a career coach.

Want to learn more about the college and its more than 60 academic programs? Schedule a campus visit today! www.nicc. edu/visit

Sunday, September 23, 2018 | 15

. e c i o h C t Righ

MAKE THE

AFFORDABLE. $

Iowa Annual Tuition Comparison Northeast Iowa Community College

$4,564*

Public: Iowa 4-Year College

$7,466

*

Private: Iowa 4-Year College

$27,977*

RETURN ON INVESTMENT. Tuition saved by starting at NICC and transferring to a four-year university.

$5,972 - $46,994*

IN DEMAND PROGRAMS. John Deere TECH

Respiratory Care

Upon completion, John Deere TECH students are guaranteed a job in the industry.

Practice skills in Health Simulation Lab.

Earn a degree in two years or less and start earning up to $45,968*.

Earn a degree in less than two years and start earning up to $57,200*.

VISIT CAMPUS TODAY.

www.nicc.edu/visit

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS); Academic Year 2017-18 Preliminary Release; Northeast Iowa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); EMSI 2018.3; Salary range represents median annual wage for related occupations within a 100-mile radius from the center distance between Calmar and Peosta Campuses. All data is accurate at time of printing.

16 | Sunday, September 23, 2018

GUIDE TO GETTING INTO COLLEGE

Explore the world from your own backyard A world-class education at an affordable price — that’s the promise of Iowa’s state universities.

ADMISSIONS.IASTATE.EDU

ADMISSIONS.UIOWA.EDU

ADMISSIONS.UNI.EDU