College Guide - Spring 2014

Page 2 College Guide

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

What you need to know to get into college Consider the costs

In the past 20 years, higher-education options have exploded.

Satellite locations, remote classrooms, web-ucation and online options are the norm in today’s higher-learning landscape.

And if college isn’t the right choice for you, there are technical and professional schools that can train you for specific careers.

Nontraditional students — adults returning to college after an absence, attending for the first time or working full time while carrying college courses — also are at home on college campuses or in Internet classrooms.

Take virtual tours and view videos about campus life at potential colleges and universities. Cruise the U.S. News & World Report Website, www.usnews.com, and check out their Student Center and College Click TV links.

Testing, testing

Most colleges accept SAT and ACT assessments. Community colleges and technical schools may require a different standardized test, such as the ASSET test.

Check with each college you are considering to determine which test is preferred.

The ACT is accepted by nearly all the same colleges and has one advantage for nervous test-takers. If you don’t like your score on an ACT test, you don’t have to show it to colleges.

The SAT rule is that if you send any score to a college, you have to send them all. Most colleges promise to count only

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your best scores, but that rule makes some students uncomfortable.

You also may want to consider taking the Preliminary ACT and the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as practice for the actual assessment. Practice tests will give you a chance to see where your academic weak spots are so you can focus on those areas.

If you are unhappy with your score or feel you can do better, you may retake the test. Try to take the test for the first time by the spring of your junior year so you will have time to retake it if necessary.

Check with your high school counselor or admissions counselor before you retake the test.

Take advanced placement classes.

Grant aid from federal and state governments, institutional funds and private sources lowers the net price for a majority of college students, while benefits from federal education tax credits and deductions can reduce the costs students and their families incur.

But many families may find that they earn too much to qualify for need-based financial aid, which is by far the most common source of all student aid. Need-based aid is most likely to be granted at a public university.

Families who are unlikely to qualify for need-based aid can still lower their bills through merit aid based on academic accomplishment. While top-tier elite private schools typically don’t hand out such aid, many well-known colleges a notch or two down on the prestige ladder do.

Schools that grant merit scholarships often outline qualifications and other details on their Web sites, and U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com, has a list of schools with the highest percentage of students receiving non-need based aid.

Most families know it costs less to attend a state school than a private one, but a comparison of the costs really drives the message home.

If your child is concerned about bumping into old high school faces at State U but high private school price tags are out of the question, investigate regional programs that offer attractive tuition discounts to students from nearby states.

Prepare in advance to ‘audition’ for colleges

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Think of the application process as a tryout or a casting call.

You already have the potential to be a student that colleges want.

Now you just need to prove it to the schools you want to attend.

Fortunately, you won’t need to throw a touchdown pass or sing a solo to be accepted. Get ready for your tryout by following these steps.

Narrow down the list of colleges you’re interested in. (As a junior, you should have 10 to 15 good choices. If you don’t, start checking out websites and college fairs.)

By November of your senior year, narrow that list to the top two to five schools.

List these schools on your financial aid applications, ACT or SAT registrations, and other forms.

Look at the admission requirements. Are you able to meet all of them?

Apply to more than one school — even if you think one school is perfect for you.

Fill out admission applications online or on paper (most schools offer both).

Visit the schools’ websites to get the forms you need.

Check to see if your school accepts the Common Application.

The Common Application is a

standard form accepted by nearly 300 colleges across the country.

Many schools that accept the Common Application also have supplemental forms you must complete.

Send applications as soon as you can. It’s a good idea to send your applications no later than March if you want to attend college in the fall.

Check with your chosen schools about specific admission deadlines. Many colleges have a rolling admissions deadline, which means you can apply anytime throughout the year.

Source: Iowa College Access Network

Sunday, March 9, 2014

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5 tips for choosing a major So how do you choose a course of study?

1. You don’t need to pick your major based on career choice.

Ask: Will this major teach me the skills I’ll need later in life?

2. You may choose more than one major. It may increase the amount of time you spend in college, but it also will give you

additional skills and make you more marketable to employers.

3. You can enter college without choosing a major, but you eventually you’ll need to declare.

4. If, after you take a few classes in your major, you decide it’s not right for you, you can change.

5. Research your chosen major.

Looking for college funds?

Understand the financial aid process

Understanding the financial aid process is key to finding funds for college, say experts at the Iowa College Access Network.

“If you know how each type of financial aid works, where to find it and when to apply for it, you really improve your chances of receiving enough money to pay for your education,” said John Holland, ICAN student success advisor.

Holland and ICAN Student Success Advisors, who provide college planning and financial aid services and information, encourage students to do their research, starting with a scholarship search as early as their sophomore or junior year in high school. “Spend a few hours each month looking for scholarship opportunities in your community and state,” Holland said. “When it’s time to apply, you’ll have a long list and more chances for cash.”

Scholarships can be awarded through local, state, national and college organizations and individuals for varying amounts of money. Each award has its own qualifications and application process, but students don’t need to repay them as long as they continue to meet the qualifications.

Besides scholarships, students may be eligible for grants or work-study, as well as federal student loans. Consideration for most of these is based on financial information provided by students and families in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This form from the U.S. Department of Education should be filled out as soon after Jan. 1 as possible each year the student is attending college.

It is available at www.fafsa.gov or by calling (800) 4-FED-AID. Grants, usually awarded by federal and state agencies and colleges, are often based on financial need or academic qualifications. Deadlines vary, but candidates should file their FAFSA with completed taxes after Jan. 1 for the best chances of receiving one or more.

Work-study programs allow students to work a part-time job on or near campus while attending classes. Earnings are often used to cover personal expenses associated with college, and many students gain valuable work experience. Federal workstudy jobs are awarded based on FAFSA information.

Students should exhaust all other financial aid options before they consider student

loans because loans must be repaid with interest. Federal loans, which typically have lower interest rates and more repayment flexibility than private student loans, are often a better financial deal for students. All federal loans are awarded based on FAFSA information.

To begin the FAFSA process, seniors and parents should request a federal personal identification number at www.pin. ed.gov and gather the tax and financial information required on the FAFSA, beginning now.

ICAN advisors can help families with the FAFSA and other financial aid questions for free.

Besides FAFSA-based awards and private scholarships, students should also visit the financial aid office at any school they are considering attending, Holland said. The staff there can tell students about other opportunities particular to that campus or community. The best time to do this is during a campus visit, but students can ask for help up until and even after they start classes.

For more information on the financial aid process, visit www.

ICANsucceed.org or call an ICAN location at (877) 272-4692 for free assistance.

CHART YOUR

CAREER

on a vibrant metropolitan campus, with the personal touch and the programs you need for success.

• 40 majors • Dynamic internships • Nearly 100% job placement for more than a decade and a half • Affordable tuition • Average class size of 17 • Financial aid to 99% of full-time students • National Championship athletic teams • Personal attention

515-263-2810 • 800-444-6083 www www.admissions.grandview.edu

Page 4 College Guide

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Tips for filing free federal student financial aid form Students need to fill out and file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to qualify for federal financial aid.

The FAFSA is a free form available from the U.S. Department of Education either online at www. fafsa.gov or on paper by calling (800) 4-FED-AID. Although students and parents can fill out the form without professional assistance, the forms are often confusing. Use these tips to help ensure the FAFSA is correctly filled out.

Get PINs. Each student and at least one parent should request a personal identification number (PIN) from www.pin.ed.gov prior to filling out the FAFSA. The PIN allows parents and students to sign the online form electronically and make changes later.

Time it right. The FAFSA should be filed as soon after Jan. 1 as possible and before the prior-

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ity filing deadlines at schools the student is applying to. Since students’ and parents’ most recent federal and state tax records are needed to fill out the form, the timing can be tricky. If necessary, tax and income information can be estimated to file the FAFSA in a timely manner; the FAFSA will need to be updated once taxes are filed.

Be prepared. Several pieces of information for the student and the parent are needed, including: Social Security numbers, dates

of birth and driver’s license numbers. ‌Most recent state and federal tax statements. ‌W-2s forms and records of all income from last year (taxed and untaxed). ‌Bank and investment statements. ‌Farm and business records. ‌Alien registration numbers for those who aren’t U.S. citizens.

Using the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet from www.fafsa.gov helps families organize information and understand how to fill out the FAFSA. A free virtual presentation on filing the FAFSA found at www.ICANsucceed.org also shows the steps involved.

Be complete and accurate. Filers should read all the directions carefully and fill out the form completely and accurately. Students and parents with questions

FAFSA forms have new features The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — generally known as FAFSA – shows students how much financial aid they may qualify for, as well as open new options for financial aid.

Families can’t comment on their own special circumstances on the form. They’ll have to contact financial aid offices to share this information.

Recent changes to a standardized application used to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study funds may require collegebound students to provide different parent information than in the past.

The 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid form will require dependent students to include income and other financial information from their legal parents, biological or adoptive, regardless of the parents’ marital status or gender if those parents live together.

Additionally, the FAFSA will now use non-gender-specific

terms like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2.”

“Before this year, the FAFSA was constructed to collect information about both of a dependent student’s parents only if the parents were married,” explained Karen Misjak, executive director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission.

“As a result, the FAFSA excluded this information from some families solely because the parents weren’t married, even though the families resided in the same household.”

Iowa College Aid urges all college-bound students to complete the FAFSA regardless of their financial situations.

“Most families are eligible for some form of financial aid, and they need to apply early to meet the priority deadlines associated with different programs,” said Misjak.

For more information, call (877) 272-4456 or go to www.

IowaCollegeAid.gov.

Don’t fall for gimmicks that

ask you to pay after you fill out the FAFSA form.

Make sure, if you’re filling out the form online, that you’re at a Web address that has a “.gov” in it, which means it’s a legitimate government website.

The form also has a limited number of schools where you can choose to submit your FAFSA. If those spaces aren’t enough, send one batch and then reopen the form, change the school names and re-submit it.

Once you submit your FAFSA form, you’ll receive an SAR, or student aid report. This can take 2 to 5 days after submitting the FAFSA online.

You’ll find your EFC, or expected family contribution, in the SAR. That amount is what the government expects your family to pay toward your tuition.

That doesn’t mean you’re supposed to write a check of that amount to the school you’re attending. Instead, it shows how much aid you qualify for.

can visit www.fafsa.gov or contact the Iowa College Access Network® (ICAN) for free assistance.

Call (877) 272-4692 to make an appointment for one-on-one help over the phone or in person at the Northeast Iowa ICAN Student Success Center located in the UNI Center for Urban Education,

800 Sycamore St., in Waterloo.

File electronically. Filing electronically is quicker than completing a paper form. Electronic filing also reduces errors and speeds up processing time.

Repeat once a year. The FAFSA needs to be filled out each year students plan to attend college.

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

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Smart student borrowing essential As students prepare for college this fall, rising costs and the tough economy may have them thinking about student loans as a means to pay for their education. As long as students are careful to borrow wisely, student loans – especially federal loans with their better terms and conditions – can be a useful tool, according to the Iowa College Access Network.

ICAN recommends these tips for smart student borrowing: ‌Know what you need. Contact the admissions or financial aid office of your college to find out estimated expenses for one

year. Many colleges list this information on their Web sites. ‌ Create a budget. Create a budget showing college costs plus additional expenses (like cell phone payments) and expected income (from earnings, for example). ‌Apply for financial aid. If you haven’t yet, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a free form that may be completed without professional assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Education at www.fafsa.gov. You may qualify for scholarships, grants and work-study programs, which

don’t need to be repaid. ‌ Search for scholarships.

Talk to the school counselor and look for local scholarships.

Free online searches can match your qualifications to additional scholarship opportunities. ‌Make a plan for the shortfall.

Determine how much you still need. Then, decide whether loans are the best way to cover that amount, considering the repayment terms and your future earning potential. ‌Borrow only what you need.

Remember that the more money you borrow, the more you’ll need to repay, plus interest.

You’ll also likely need to borrow through additional years of college. If you can get by a little more cheaply now, it’ll literally pay off later. ‌Consider federal loans first.

Federally guaranteed loans generally offer better rates and conditions than private loans. ‌Use private loans as a last resort. If you are confident you can repay the loans, even if you fail to graduate or land your dream job, and you’ve exhausted other forms of aid, private loans are an option. ‌Compare private loans carefully. Private lenders offer dif-

ferent terms and conditions for education loans, making a sideby-side comparison difficult.

Consider interest rates, fees and discounts (and how long introductory offers last), variable vs. fixed interest rates, payment deferment and reduction programs, and penalty clauses. ‌Get help if you need it. If you have trouble understanding your financial aid options, talk to the financial aid office at the college. You may also get assistance without charge through the Iowa College Access Network by calling (877) 272-4692 or visiting www.ICANsucceed.org.

Secrets for writing the best essay ever!

Essay?

What essay?

That’s the general reaction potential college students have when told they actually have to write an essay as part of the college application process.

For many colleges and universities, the essay is included in the evaluation process conducted by colleges. That process also includes academic record, coursework, grades, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, honors and awards. The essays also give admissions officers a glimpse of the applicant’s writing skills.

Not all institutions request essays, and some schools are reinstituting the requirement as part of their application process.

And while there are colleges that may accept video statements from applicants, the written word still rules.

Trouble is, how do you set yourself apart from other students who are furiously writing their own essays that reflect their own successes in chess club, sports or band? Same experiences, same essays. And pretty

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boring to college admissions officers who must read them by the hundreds, if not thousands.

So how do you fill those five or so paragraphs? Do you have a special skill? Worked at a part-

time job? Traveled somewhere, either in the U.S.A. or abroad?

Whatever it is, describe it, but find a different angle than “this is how it made me feel.” What exactly did you do? Who did you

meet?

Or mine your family for material. Did your dad or mom build a business from the ground up? Did you work there and have a funny or rewarding experience to share?

Don’t write an essay bragging about your accomplishments.

Write a good story – just make sure it isn’t fiction.

More tips: 1. Remember to put your name on the essay.

2. Draft an outline. Arrange your ideas in logical order. It’s important to develop a theme or major idea to make your point.

3. Write a rough draft. Remember to show, don’t tell. Include examples and little stories and add your own character to the words.

4. Review and edit the draft.

Then set aside the essay for a few days.

5. Make any revisions or changes you need to make. Then give the essay to two or three adults to review and edit. Make corrections.

6. Don’t rely on Spell-Check for corrections and spelling errors. Double-check grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc.

7. Have someone proofread your essay.

8. Make changes or corrections, and prepare a finished essay.

Page 6 College Guide

What does the college offer?

To make the college experience worthwhile, the school you choose needs to be able to give you what you want — besides a degree.

Think about what you need; that’s what will make the college experience truly valuable for you.

Location

Where do you prefer to live geographically?

How far from home do you want to be?

Do you want a campus in a big city or smaller town?

Type

Do you need to go to a particular type of school to get the degree you want?

Do you prefer a two-year or four-year college?

Have you considered community college or a vocational/ technical school?

Academic programs

Is the school strong in your chosen academic area?

If you aren’t sure what to study, are there a variety of majors available?

Campus Life

What types of social events are popular?

Are you interested in any clubs or organizations offered?

Cost and financial aid availability

How much will your entire education at the school cost?

How much financial aid is offered?

Facilities

Are the library, career counseling and other academic resources adequate?

What about the fitness center and health center?

Are other services (health, shopping, transportation) located nearby?

Do most students live on or off campus?

Are there different housing options?

North Iowa Area Community College

Our future is bright North Iowa Area Community College has a beautiful campus atmosphere with a working farm, a modern recreational center, music and athletic programs, clubs and activities.

At NIACC, we’re proud of our successes. NIACC has been ranked number 14 in the nation for student success (CNN Money, June 2012). The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named NIACC as one of the nation’s top 120 community colleges, putting the college in the top 10 percent of all institutions in the nation.

Student success

We work hard to reach even higher goals. NIACC has a 64 percent retention rate for firstyear students, which is higher than the national average.

Students who finish their first two years at NIACC before transferring to a four-year college or university will save their families more than $7,000 — and their credits transfer easily.

We also have a razor-sharp focus on helping employers fill the gap of middle-skilled workers in Iowa. We train people and help them get back to work. We have high quality technical and career programs. Some can be completed in one year.

New student housing

We are in the process of building new student housing facilities that will accommodate 400 students with new, modern, safe housing for years to come.

These new facilities will provide improved study conditions, upgraded safety measures and will provide students with more comfort and privacy.

Information LOCATION: Mason City PHONE: (641) 422-4245 or 1-888-GO-NIACC ext. 4245 WEBSITE: www.niacc.edu

For adults, NIACC offers a wide range of options. Many adults come to NIACC to get their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), which provides a pathway to a higher degree or a better job. We have high quality programs in tool and die, welding, automotive, heating and cooling, building trades and more.

At NIACC, 95 percent of our career and technical graduates get jobs in their fields. NIACC graduates work in companies all over North Iowa and around the United States.

Do your homework.

Compare the cost of attending NIACC with any other school.

You’ll see NIACC is affordable and offers many types of financial assistance.

The best way to learn about NIACC is to visit our campus and see what we have to offer. Call the NIACC Admissions Office today: 641-422-4245 or toll free 1-888-GO-NIACC extension 4245. Visit us online at www. niacc.edu

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Watch out for scholarship scam artists 1. Don’t pay for a search for or to apply for scholarships. Use reputable websites and sources.

2. Never give credit card or bank account information to award providers.

4. Legitimate scholarship providers will provide contact information upon request.

Check out email addresses, too, before downloading forms

or uploading personal information.

5. Don’t apply for a scholarship if money is requested up front.

6. Scammers often use phrases like “federal” or official-looking seals or websites.

Check with your school if you have a question about legitimacy.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 7

Don’t get confused After months of searching, filing applications for admission, financial aid and scholarships and waiting for responses, the time will come for collegebound students to see what financial aid colleges will offer and to make some decisions on where to go. As mail arrives, students will eagerly open it up and … blink in confusion.

Award letters come in many different formats, and financial aid packages are made up of different types of aid that don’t necessarily match up from school to school. Students and parents often have a hard time determining which school is offering the best financial aid package for them.

“Experts at the Iowa College Access Network regularly help students straighten out the confusion without recommending any particular school,” said Brittania Morey, ICAN director of communications.

“If you need help, please call or stop in at one of our College Planning Centers. We can help you compare different packages so you’re making an informed decision.”

In addition, ICAN offers this information about financial aid award letters.

Aid packages

Each school you apply to considers several factors when creating your financial aid package. ‌Submitted financial information. The information you

provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) creates an overall picture of your and your family’s ability to pay for your education. This is known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and depends on income, savings, number of family members in or soon to attend college, and other factors. ‌Outside aid. If you’ve been awarded scholarships or grants from organizations outside the school and government, those will likely reduce the amount of aid offered. ‌ Available funding. Every school and the federal government have a limited amount of money to hand out to students.

Depending on availability of funds and qualifications for grants, scholarships and federal student loans, you may qualify for different types and amounts of aid at different schools. ‌Your interests and abilities.

Your field of interest, the major you declare, and your participation in athletics, arts and other activities may qualify you for more scholarships specific to those areas. The availability and amount will vary from school to school.

www.nicc.edu

Here’s how to understand college award letters

Explore the

Possibilities Northeast Iowa Community College offers education options to meet your needs.

• Earn your degree.

• Advance your career through continuing education.

• Transfer to a four-year college or university.

No matter your goal, we are here at a time and place that is convenient for you.

NICC offers more than 90 programs of study with more than 24 available completely online. Visit a campus or center near you and start exploring today!

Types of aid

With all the variables, it’s important that you pay close attention to the types of aid offered rather than just the bottom line.

See College Awards, page Q16

Speak to an Admissions Expert Today!

Calmar 800.728.2256, ext. 307 Peosta 800.728.7367, ext. 312 /neiowacc

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Upper Iowa University

Campus visit is best tool for making college choice Sifting through stacks of snail mail and dozens of emails, area high school students are bombarded with tons of literature from colleges and universities.

With such a wide variety of schools vying for their attention, how does a high school student choose the right university? A campus visit that will showcase student opportunities is most often the best resource.

At Upper Iowa University, high school students can visit campus as a group on special visit days or come to campus individually for personalized visits.

UIU offers 40 majors and 19 pre-professional emphases to pick from, and faculty and staff work closely with students to help make their college years successful from the first campus visit through commencement.

Upper Iowa University is the place where students can stand out in the classroom, on the playing field, in campus organizations and, as UIU alumni, in their career.

New MBA program

Information LOCATION: Fayette PHONE: (800) 553-4150 WEBSITE: www.uiu.edu

UIU is expanding its online Master of Business Administration program in 2014 to include face-to-face/classroom options at selected centers.

Students will be able to pick from the popular online program or, at some UIU locations, pursue an evening MBA, a weekend MBA, or combine daytime and evening MBA classes.

Enrollment has increased by 46 percent in the UIU online MBA program in the past year and the MBA is one of the faster growing programs at UIU, said Kristopher Blanchard, Ph.D., associate professor of business and chair of the MBA program.

Despite the success of the online version, UIU is seeing growing demand for face-to-face/ classroom options as well.

“Not everybody learns in the same way, and some people

‌ Academic year consists of four 8-week terms and May term; ‌Students typically enroll in two classes most terms; ‌ Students focus on fewer classes and have an opportunity to learn more; ‌Students can take advantage of optional service learning abroad experiences during May Upper Iowa has an average class term and spring break. size of 24 with a 13:1 student ‌Students can still graduate to-faculty ratio. in four years.

Students have the opportunity to build quality, working Stand out Why become just another relationships with professors.

Unique schedule face in the crowd in an audito- What’s more — 88 percent of Upper Iowa has a unique rium of 350 students when you UIU graduates are employed or two-at-a-time course schedule can stand out in the classroom? in graduate school shortly after that offers exceptional benefits: graduation.

are not comfortable with taking courses completely online. They want to study in a classroom and take advantage of those networking opportunities,” Blanchard said.

“At UIU, we say, ‘Your degree. Your way.’ Offering more options for the MBA program ensures that we are giving students choices that can fit into their lifestyle.”

Students can take courses for their MBA online or opt to take courses after 5 p.m. weekdays at the UIU-Waterloo Center, on Saturday mornings at the UIUQuad Cities Center, or combine day and evening weekday courses at the Fayette campus.

The MBA programs will also be offered in an accelerated format at all locations.

By enrolling in both online and residential classes, students would be able to complete the MBA in just over a year.

For more information, contact Blanchard at blanchardk@uiu.edu.

Up p e r Iowa e n co u ra ge s hands-on experience. Required field experience is built into most majors. UIU connects s t u d e n ts w i t h b e n e f i c i a l internships, observations and the opportunity to interact with professionals within a desired field on a consistent basis.

Upper Iowa also offers study

abroad options to enhance student experience, giving students the opportunity to travel outside United States with assistance and guidance from the UIU Center of International Education.

The UIU Honors Program at provides an exciting and challenging academic experience for exceptional students who have at least a 26 ACT score and a minimum 3.5 high school grade point average.

Sports, activities

Upper Iowa University is the only Division II NCAA college in the state of Iowa.

Division II schools are committed to ensuring that students have a balanced college experience that emphasizes academic excellence, athletic achievement and community engagement.

UIU student-athletes consistently achieve conference All-Academic Teams.

Located in scenic Fayette, UIU offers a wide variety of Greek organizations, intramural activities, club sports, planned activities and campus events.

At UIU, 98 percent of students are involved in at least one activity outside the classroom.

Early decision plans require early, binding commitment Early admissions programs, usually known as Early Decision and Early Action, give high school seniors more options — and deadlines — for applying to colleges.

Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal

reply date of May 1. Counselors need to make sure that students understand this key distinction between the two plans.

Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.

For a student who has a definite first-choice college, applying early has many benefits besides possibly increasing the chance of getting in. Applying early reduces

student stress, saves time and expense of multiple applications and gains more time prepare for college, and reassess options if not accepted.

Drawbacks include: Pressure to commit to one college before exploring all options, time crunch for applications; and reduced financial aid opportunities.

Students who apply under ED plans receive offers of admission and financial aid simultaneously and so will not be able to compare

financial aid offers from other colleges. For students who absolutely need financial aid, applying early may be a risky option.

Most colleges do not notify ED and EA applicants of admission until Dec. 15. Because of the usual deadlines for applications, this means that if a student is rejected by the ED college, there are only two weeks left to send in other applications. Encourage those of your students who are applying early to prepare other appli-

cations as they wait to receive admission decisions from their first-choice college.

Keep in mind: ‌ED and EA program specifics vary, so students should get information as soon as possible directly from the admission staff at their first-choice college. ‌ED and EA applicants must take the October SAT or SAT Subject Tests™ in order for these scores to make it to the college in time.

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University of Iowa

Learn, live, work, and play — the Hawkeye Way to the Colleges 2014 “Best Buy”— one of only three in the Big Ten. Perfect size. One of the smallest Big Ten public universities (about 22,000 undergraduates and 31,000 students total), Iowa offers the opportunities of a major university in an environment that feels more like a small college. About 80 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students.

Career support. Whether you want to be an entrepreneur or an entertainer, advisors can help you research careers, assess your skills, and practice interviewing.

More than 400 employers conduct more than 4,200 interviews on campus every year.

Outcomes. Job placement and graduate school acceptance rates within a year of graduation range from 89 to 100 percent, depending on program. Recent Iowa grads are working for top companies like CNN, IBM, Google, Disney, ESPN, Rockwell Collins, US Bank and more.

Vibrant student life. Iowa offers the excitement and school spirit of a Big Ten university.

Choose from nearly 500 student groups, cheer on the Hawkeyes at one of more than 140 home games each year, or enjoy a thriving arts scene.

Campus and community.

Iowa’s 1,700-acre campus feels a lot smaller, with most academic buildings and residence

halls clustered within easy walking distance. Iowa City has been called one of the nation’s best places to live by Outside and National Geographic Adventure magazines—a classic college

Upper Iowa UnIversIty Experience. Learn. Lead.

a thriving university with a hometown, personal feel and global resources.

• Student-centered (build quality, working relationships with your professors) • Experienced, credentialed faculty (more than 70% of faculty earned highest degree in their field) • Personalized attention (instructors know you by name and WANT to see you succeed) • aggressive financial aid (100% of accepted students receive a scholarship

cessful high school student before you can go to college.

3. Be realistic about your ability to compete in college sports.

Play because you want to, not because your parents, coaches or girlfriend/boyfriend think you should.

4. Prepare a 20- to 25-minute video of play highlights. Send it

to coaches along with your game tapes. Sell yourself to college coaches, but don’t be overbearing.

5. If a school is recruiting you, take time to learn about it. Make sure the college is a good fit; don’t judge strictly on its athletic program. Make sure it offers a degree that will allow you to pursue the career you want.

8 2

Week Terms

Classes Per Term

15,716

$

Average gift aid given to each qualifying UIU student

5 tips to help student athletes 1. Don’t risk a potential college scholarship by misbehaving in school or getting involved with drugs or alcohol. Colleges will steer clear of someone who could cause negative publicity.

2. Focus on your high school career first. It’s easy to get caught up in the recruiting process.

Remember, you’ve got to be a suc-

town.

Visiting campus is the best way to find out if Iowa is right for you. Call (319) 335-1569 or visit admissions.uiowa.edu to plan your visit.

(2012-13 data)

STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO

800-553-4150 www.uiu.edu

13:1

The University of Iowa will prepare you, challenge you and change you. In turn, you’ll change the world. That’s the Hawkeye Way. Read on to learn why so many students think Iowa is right for them.

Top programs. Ranked among the top 30 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Iowa offers leading programs in the sciences and humanities, one of the nation’s best academic medical centers, and the esteemed Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Online and distancelearning opportunities are available in the Waterloo area.

COURTESY PHOTO Majors, minors and more.

With more than 200 areas of Iowa football vs. Michigan State. study—including majors, minors, certificates, and tracks—you can tailor your program to your interests and get an education that will help you stand out.

Commitment to success.

Iowa takes undergraduate education seriously. Events like Orientation and On Iowa! build skills, teach traditions, and introduce friends. Living-learning communities make a big university Information feel smaller, while first-year seminars help you discover col LOCATION: Iowa City PHONE: (319) 335-1569 lege academics.

WEBSITE: www.admissions.

Best value. Kiplinger’s Peruiowa.edu sonal Finance magazine recently compared tuition costs, financial aid, and graduation rates to name versity value for resident stuIowa the state’s best public-uni- dents. Iowa also is a Fiske Guide

Page 10 College Guide

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Wartburg College

Emphasizing hands-on education, well-rounded students Wartburg College takes to heart its mission statement stressing “leadership, service, faith and learning.”

The college is cited by U.S. News and World Report as a first-tier National Liberal Arts College and has received international recognition for community engagement.

Wartburg enrolls more than 1,700 students from 30 states and 60 countries, including 160 international students. The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance has lauded its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Wartburg is strongly committed to the individual with a close-knit campus community where lasting relationships are formed. Faculty members serve as students’ academic advisers, providing guidance born of experience.

Its top-notch academic programs have received the highest plaudits.

Gov. Terry Branstad — while president of Des Moines University — said Wartburg has “one of the best pre-med programs, bar none, in the United States of America.”

Wartburg also is renowned for its music program.

After hearing the Wartburg Choir sing his “O Magnum Mysterium,” leading American choral composer Morten Lauridsen said, “Their performance was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t talk for two or three minutes because it was so exquisite and sublimely done.

It was in the top echelon of any performance of that piece by any choir that I have ever heard. And that is saying a lot.”

Wartburg emphasizes handson learning, including more than 200 academically accredited internships (85 percent in the Cedar Valley).

Wartburg students spend nearly 30,000 hours annually “living their learning” with internships, field experiences, and service trips to sites around

the Top 25 overall in NCAA Division III. The Wartburg wrestlers have won 10 national championships. Women’s track and field has won seven.

Wartburg student media have won regional and national awards

for broadcast, print and online news coverage.

At Wartburg, students engage in a journey of discovery, realizing their purpose, embracing their passions and unlocking their success.

WESLEYAN RISING Catch the spirit

Day | Evening |Online |Graduate

COURTESY PHOTO

Information LOCATION: Waverly PHONE: (800) 772-2085 WEBSITE: www.wartburg.edu

the nation during breaks in the academic year. Wartburg is a national leader for the percentage of students who take service trips.

The student-led commitment to service was reflected a year ago in winning the first “Small Steps, Big Wins Challenge” among all U.S. universities and colleges for social and environmental actions.

The exposure to possible

career opportunities is widespread.

Students in health-related fields benefit from an internship program with the Waverly Health Center. Placement rates for graduate studies in healthrelated fields are double the national average.

A marketing class does promotion for small retail stores and nonprofit organizations. A student-led agency does commercial quality videos for clients on and off campus. Social work students have devised new programs that have had a statewide impact.

Wartburg offers a variety of outlets for student interests.

Nearly a quarter of all students participate in one of the many music ensembles, including three — the Wartburg Choir, Castle Singers (jazz) and Wind Ensemble — that alternate national and international tours.

Another third are involved in an intercollegiate athletic program consistently ranked among

Enroll !

Today

Mount Pleasant, Iowa

www.iwc.edu

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 11

Ellsworth Community College

Making a great impression IOWA FALLS — What would a college have to do to impress you? Once you find out what’s waiting for you at Ellsworth Community College, we’re betting you’ll want to take an even closer look!

If graduating or transferring your credits are important (and they ARE important, of course!), you need to know that CNNMoney.com has ranked Ellsworth Community College as having the 19th highest student success rate (graduation rate + transfer rate) in the entire nation. More than 70 percent of Ellsworth students take their freshman and sophomore courses at ECC and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree, saving thousands of dollars.

At ECC it’s not just about transferability of courses, it’s also about quality of instruction. As just one example, our most recent class of associate degree nursing (RN) graduates who took the Iowa board exams for their nursing licenses scored 100 percent on their state exams (the state average is 82.28 percent) for the third year in a row — virtually unheard of. If you’re interested in a nursing degree, we encourage you to compare these results with other colleges!

Here’s even more good news about Ellsworth: ‌According to the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, ECC graduates have the sixth lowest average debt load of any college in Iowa, public or private.

We attribute this to the fact that more than 70 percent of our students receive some type of generous scholarship or financial aid. ‌ Ellsworth’s enrollment is about 1,100 students, which means we’re a small college where you’ll make friends quickly, know your instructors personally, and feel right at home. ‌We offer more than 70 degree programs, with classes held

Information LOCATION: Iowa Falls PHONE: (800) 322-9235 WEBSITE: www.

EllsworthCollege.com

both on campus and online. In fact, our transferrable liberal arts associate in arts degree can be completed entirely online, a huge benefit for students who also work full- or part-time. ‌ Some of our most popular degree programs include accounting, agriculture, apparel merchandising, athletic training, biotechnology, business, computer applications, computer science, conservation technology, criminal justice, engineering, equine management, medical assisting, nursing and renewable energy technology. ‌ECC’s vibrant Panther athletic programs attract studentathletes from all over the world.

Our men’s basketball team is currently ranked fifth in the nation, our wrestling team is ranked eighth, and our football team had two players named All-Americans. Other Panther athletic teams include football, volleyball, women’s basketball, golf, softball and baseball.

ECC offers Panther Preview Days for high school 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 800322-9235. You can also email eccinfo@iavalley.edu. Seeing is believing, so check us out at www.EllsworthCollege.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

AT IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE, YOU CAN CHOOSE A PROGRAM FROM OVER 100 AREAS OF STUDY!

Scan to learn more!

THINK ‘SMART’ ABOUT COLLEGE SAVINGS! When you’re searching for a college, choose Iowa Lakes. Data shows college students can save more than $5,000 (in tuition/fees, room & board and books) per year by attending Iowa Lakes Community College.

More than $950,000 in Scholarships also available to help pay for your education.

WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE? For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iowalakes.edu.

1-866-IA-LAKES • WWW.IOWALAKES.EDU A LG O N A • E M M E TS B U RG • E S T H E RV I L L E • S P E N C E R • S P I R I T L A K E

Page 12 College Guide

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Mount Mercy University

Be valued Expect to be engaged by small classes and individualized attention from accomplished professors. In the heart of Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University emphasizes practicum and internship experiences that open doors to full-time employment and prepare students for the challenges of the working world. Consistently, more than 90 percent of Mount Mercy students are employed or in graduate school within nine months of graduation, and many Mount Mercy alumni choose to live and work in Iowa.

Academic excellence

Mount Mercy’s dedicated faculty members inspire students to lead and serve, made easier by small classes and a studentteacher ratio of 13:1. Mount Mercy students benefit from internship opportunities with international corporations, such as General Mills, Transamerica, Quaker Oats and Rockwell Collins.

Athletics & clubs

The Mount Mercy Mustangs compete in the NAIA Division II as members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference. The Mustangs own more than 40 conference championships and numerous NAIA national tournament appearances. Intramural sports like basketball, volleyball, golf, flag football, and softball provide students with opportunities to compete in a less structured environment.

Students can also choose from more than 30 campus clubs and organizations. For student recreation, Mount Mercy has a cardio room, weightlifting room, racquetball court and fitness center offering a variety of classes each semester.

Community service

Service learning and social justice work are the backbone of the Mount Mercy experience. Mount Mercy infuses service learning into all aspects of campus life, produc-

Information LOCATION: Cedar Rapids PHONE: 800-248-4504 WEBSITE: www.mtmercy.edu

the Midwest Regional Colleges category. Mount Mercy is also a member of the Colleges of Distinction, which recognizes that a Total cost: $35,375 Mount Mercy education is a strong Financial assistance foundation for a lifetime of learnNinety-nine percent of fresh- ing and service. men students receive financial assistance, and all students are Outcomes Mount Mercy students have eligible for institutional scholarparticipated in a wide variety of ships and grants that do not require scientific research internships and repayment. Work-study opportuprojects with the University of nities, state and federal grants, and Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Mercy low-interest loans are also widely Medical Center, Weland Clinical available.

Laboratories, Penford Products, COURTESY PHOTO

Mount Mercy University is a Catholic institution offering baccalaureate and graduate education to nearly 1,800 enrolled students. ing students who are values-driven and alumni who are compassionate leaders.

Degrees

Mount Mercy University offers more than 35 majors in 8 academic departments and graduate programs in business, education, marriage and family therapy, strategic leadership and nursing.

Total cost

Tuition 2013-14: $26,100 Room & Board $8,075 Books (est.) $1,200

Accolades

and The Nature Conservancy.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Apply today at www.mtmercy.

Mount Mercy University 21st in edu/apply

Iowa Lakes Community College

‘Biggest decision’ leads student to wind energy program Anthony Cummings, is a sophomore in the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program at Iowa Lakes.

ANTHONY R. CUMMINGS Iowa Lakes student‌

I played hockey for 10 years before making the biggest decision of my life: to put hockey down and pursue a career in the wind industry.

My father owned a construction company and the majority of my childhood was by his side.

The experience gained from being involved in his operation was priceless to me, and I know it will carry me for the rest of my life. My mother is a saint, and none of my college education would have been possible without her help.

Because of this I feel obligated to be successful and to provide for

COURTESY PHOTO

my family – as they provided for me.

I chose to study in the Iowa Lakes Wind Energy Program because it is a well-organized and respected program. Wind energy and turbines have always intrigued me since the first time I saw them

and researched the industry.

I plan to continue my education at a four-year college that offers mechanical engineering after graduating from Iowa Lakes with an associate in applied science degree.

The professors at the Iowa Lakes Wind Energy Facility are very sharp, and predict in the next five to ten years, engineers will “reinvent” the wind turbine.

While the wind industry is very young, it is still professional. New methods and ideas of turbine production are endless, and always seem very attainable, yet we need more help.

Think of something you would enjoy designing, then imagine what it would look like and how it would function.

What’s stopping you?

Being educated and creative is something to be valued and moreover, something to be very, very proud of.

Information LOCATION: Emmetsburg, Estherville, Algona, Spencer, Spirit Lake PHONE: (866) 425-2537 WEBSITE: www.iowalakes. edu

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 13

Hawkeye Community College

Pursue your dreams Dentist, CEO, multi-media designer, and entrepreneur are just a few of the careers chosen

by Hawkeye Community College graduates. Hawkeye can help you turn your dream career into reality with more than 45 high-demand career and transfer programs.

Hawkeye stuCourtney dent Courtney Shimp Shimp is pursuing her career dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. The Waterloo West graduate chose the nursing field because she enjoys helping and caring for people. She is working on her associate’s degree in nursing and plans to transfer to earn

her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her master’s degree in nurse practitioner.

Shimp began taking college classes while she was still in high school and earned a certified nursing assistant certificate through Hawkeye’s Senior Year Plus program. “I got a semester and a half done before I graduated from high school,” she said.

After high school, Shimp could have chosen to attend any college in Iowa or out of state. “I wanted to continue working on my college degree at Hawkeye. Everyone is really friendly, and my instructors know me by name.” said Shimp.

Shimp enjoys her classes and the opportunity to study patient care in Hawkeye’s new state-ofthe-art virtual hospital. Working with patient simulators, she

is able to study every possible patient scenario in a safe learning environment before she completes her hospital clinicals and works with real patients.

Many students find that the opportunity to work with Hawkeye’s virtual technology allows them to accelerate their learning and perfect their skills. These technologies include CNC, welding, paint simulators, MILO police defense system, driving simulators, and 3D BodyViz. Approximately half of Hawkeye students will continue their studies and transfer to a fouryear institution like Shimp.

Hawkeye has articulation agreements with Iowa colleges to make their transfer seamless. Many of Hawkeye’s students transfer to the University of Northern Iowa

due to its proximity, some electing to live in UNI dorms while enrolled at Hawkeye.

Students take advantage of the services at Hawkeye designed to help them succeed with advising, counseling and tutoring.

Resources in the Career Service Center help students with finding a job, writing a resume and cover letter, and learning how to interview.

Outside of the classroom students can get involved in a variety of organizations, club sports, activities, and events. The Health Education and Services Center features a weight room, basketball court, indoor track and fitness classes to help students stay active. The Student Health Clinic is available for students feeling under the weather.

Information LOCATION: Waterloo PHONE: 296-4000 WEBSITE: www.hawkeyecollege. edu

Last year, more than 5,800 students made Hawkeye their college of choice. Learn how Hawkeye Community College can help you pursue your career dreams — schedule a campus visit or appointment with an advisor by calling (319) 296-4000 or online at www.hawkeyecollege.edu/ visit.

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Northeast Iowa Community College

Explore the possibilities, start your education at NICC Northeast Iowa Community College offers many options for students throughout northeast Iowa whose plans include earning a two-year or four-year degree, or who seek advanced training to open up new career possibilities — all at an affordable price.

Partnerships between NICC and high schools are creating great cost savings for students and their families, such as Cheyanne Brickman, a 2013 West Central High School graduate from Westgate.

Cheyanne earned an associate of arts transfer degree from NICC the same month she graduated from high school, her college credits transferred seamlessly to Upper Iowa University in fall 2013, and she started classes on the Fayette campus as a junior.

COURTESY PHOTO

“I looked at this as a financially responsible choice. I knew that I wanted to go to Upper Iowa and getting my associate’s degree through the NICC charter school saved me two years and $70,000,” Brickman said, of the approximate cost for two full years of tuition, fees and board at the university for an entering freshman and sophomore student. Brickman is now working toward a double major in human services and sociology.

These successful transfer

stories happen because of the college’s commitment to students, its agreements with high schools and four-year colleges, and the one-on-one academic support and personal attention that NICC provides for everyone, in over 90 different programs of study. Students who plan to transfer are smart to take advantage of the assistance NICC provides for those whose goals include a four-year degree.

Other continuing education training programs available through NICC, such as certified nurse aide, offer students career options in healthcare. Jenny McNamara, of Waukon, became a licensed CNA through NICC and then entered the nursing program to become more directly involved in patient care.

She is a second-year associate

Information LOCATION: Calmar and Peosta PHONE: (563) 562-3263, Calmar; (563) 555-5110, Peosta WEBSITE: www.nicc.edu/ collegeprograms

degree nursing student who will graduate in May 2014.

“I’m going to stay in this area; the jobs are here and secure, and it’s local. I think nursing is a

beautiful career,” Jenny explains.

“This is the best education I can have and because I could stay in the local area, I picked NICC.” NICC is a great place to start and offers degree programs and training for the entire community, both conveniently and affordably. Last year, NICC made the decision to freeze tuition and fees and is looking to do the same for the 2014-2015 year. The college’s move to maintain the tuition and fee cost per credit hour for students — at a time when many colleges are raising their tuition — improves access for northeast Iowans who want to develop their skills, knowledge and earn a competitive degree.

For more information on the more than 90 academic programs at NICC, visit www.nicc.edu/ collegeprograms.

Ellsworth Community College An amazing experience!

ECC has more than 70 degree programs, from Agriculture, Biotechnology and Criminal Justice to Finance, Nursing and Renewable Energy Technology.

ECC students graduate with $15,660 to $17,900 less debt than students at Iowa’s public universities or private colleges.

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 register for classes.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 15

Iowa Wesleyan College

Wesleyan rising! Catch the spirit!

At Iowa Wesleyan you’ll discover a great place to call home for your college experience. At IWC you’ll connect with the people, classes and opportunities to prepare you for an amazing future. You’ll graduate with a powerful resume that sets you apart.

Faculty who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching. You will learn in small classes, where your teachers and classmates know you. The faculty-student ratio is 1-9 and the average class size is just 14 students. You’ll connect with professors who serve as teachers, mentors and advisors.

Majors that match your interest. With over 30 options to choose from, you’ll find the career path that is perfect for

Information LOCATION: Mount Pleasant PHONE: 800-582-2383 WEBSITE: www.iwc.edu

you. From education to nursing, English to music, pre-med to business, there’s a program and major designed to propel you into your future. Not sure on a major?

That’s OK, too! We’ll help you explore the options and choose a program that suits your strengths and interests.

Internships that offer realworld experience. Field Experience at Iowa Wesleyan takes you out of the classroom to join you to the world of careers. You can test your abilities while gaining professional experience and networking opportunities in real career settings. With hands-on experience including internships, student teaching and nursing clinicals, you’ll put your knowledge and skills to work. No matter what your major, you’ll have the opportunity to gain experience before you graduate to build a resume that sets you apart.

Service. You’ll live out your

COURTESY PHOTO

Iowa Wesleyan boasts one of the most beautiful central campuses in Iowa.

values and give to others through service at Iowa Wesleyan. All students take part in service projects, in the classroom, with organizations and through alternative break projects. Iowa Wesleyan has been a pioneer in service initiatives for more than 40 years.

Leadership. Iowa Wesleyan

College has 14 athletic programs and more than 30 student organizations so you can get involved, develop leadership skills and have fun! As team captain, committee chair or state officer in a professional organization, you’ll develop skills and confidence for a lifetime.

Financial aid can make your Iowa Wesleyan College education affordable. Academic scholarships are available to qualified students.

To learn more about Iowa Wesleyan College, call 800-582-2383.

We offer day, evening, online and graduate courses. Schedule a campus visit and go to www. iwc.edu to learn more about our programs, activities and upcoming events.

2014 Spring College Guide ❑ Allen College

❑ Iowa Lakes Community College

❑ University of Northern Iowa

❑ Ashford University

❑ Iowa Wesleyan College

❑ University of Iowa

❑ Central College

❑ Kaplan University

❑ Upper Iowa University Cedar Rapids

Barrett Forum • 1825 Logan Ave. • Waterloo, IA 50703 Admission: 319-226-2000 Website: www.allencollege.edu

400 North Bluff Blvd. • Clinton, Iowa 52732 Admission: 800-242-4153 Website: www.chooseashford.com

Emmetsburg, Estherville, Algona, Spencer, Spirit Lake Admission: 866-IA-LAKES Website: www.iowalakes.edu

601 North Main Street • Mount Pleasant, Iowa Admissions: 800-582-2383 or 319-385-6231 Website: www.iwc.edu

812 University St. • Pella, IA 50219 Admission: 877-462-3687 Website: www.central.edu

7009 Nordic Drive • Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Admissions: 319-277-0220 Website: www.cedarfalls.kaplanuniversity.edu

❑ Ellsworth Community College 1100 College Ave. • Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Admission: 641-648-4611 or 800-322-9235 Website: www.ECCAdmissions.com

❑ Grand View University

❑ Mount Mercy University

1330 Elmhurst Drive NE • Cedar Rapids, Iowa Admission: 319-368-6460 or 800-248-4504 Website: www.mtmercy.edu

❑ NIACC

1200 Grandview Ave. • Des Moines, IA 50316 Admission: 800-444-6083 or 515-263-2810 Website: www.admissions.grandview.edu

500 College Drive Mason City, IA 50401 Admissions Office: 641-422-4245 www.niacc.edu

❑ Hawkeye Community College 1501 East Orange Rd. • Waterloo, IA 50702 Admission: 319-296-4000 or 800-670-4769 ext. 4000 Website: www.hawkeyecollege.edu

❑ Northeast Iowa Community College 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

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

002 Gilchrist Hall UNI • Cedar Falls, IA 50614 Admission: 319-273-2281 Website: www.uni.edu

❑ Wartburg College

100 Wartburg Blvd. • Waverly, IA 50677 319-352-8200 www.wartburg.edu

107 Calvin Hall • Iowa City, IA 52242 Admission: 319-335-3847 Website: admissions.uiowa.edu

700 Bell Dr. • Cedar Rapids, IA 52142 Admission: 319-848-8488 Website: www.uiu.edu/standout

❑ Upper Iowa University Fayette Campus

605 Washington Street, PO Box 1857 • Fayette, IA Admission: 800-553-4150 Website: www.uiu.edu/standout

❑ Upper Iowa University Waterloo Center

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

❑ Waldorf College

106 S. 6th St., Forest City, IA 50436 Admission: 800-292-1903 Website: www.waldorf.edu

Name: City: High School: Attn: SheilA KernS • P.O. Box 540 Waterloo, IA 50704 | sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com Phone Number:

Address: State: Zip Code: Year of Graduation: Email:

Page 16 College Guide

College awards

Consider various financial aid packages

From page Q7 ‌ Gift aid. Scholarships and grants do not need to be paid back, so these carry more weight than other types of aid.

Generally, the more in gift aid a school offers, the better the financial aid package, but check to see if the awards are for only a year, if opportunities are available for future years, what you need to do to requalify for or keep the awards, and what percentage of the total cost they make up. ‌Work-study. A work-study position provides some benefits over other part-time jobs; it may be closely aligned to your declared major and offer more scheduling flexibility, for example. This is a type of selfhelp aid, but because the money

you earn is yours to spend on college costs without repayment, it’s better than loans. ‌Federal student loans. Federal student loans, another type of self-help aid, often offer better rates and terms than private student loans, so they’re definitely worth considering. Be sure you understand the repayment requirements and think seriously about whether you’ll be able to make payments with your anticipated starting salary after school. Different types of federal student loans also offer different terms, so weigh the pros and cons of each type when comparing.

Compare packages. Now that you know about the different types of aid, consider how each financial aid package affects the overall cost of attending that school, and then compare across schools. ‌ Consider all costs. Some award letters provide only the direct costs of tuition and room and board, while others include

estimated amounts for transportation, books and supplies, required fees, and other indirect costs. Make sure you plan for all expenses, whether they’re listed in the letter or not, as you weigh your options. ‌Compare gift aid to self-help aid. A higher percentage of gift aid (like scholarships) than selfhelp aid (like loans) probably means you’ll graduate with less debt to repay from that particular school. As you compare different schools, also think about what percentage of the overall cost is picked up by gift aid. ‌Keep timelines in mind. Your award letters likely show awards for the upcoming school year.

Find out whether the awards are renewable for additional years, and think about how long you’ll need to attend that school. If you’ll have trouble getting into the classes you need for graduation at some schools, you may need to plan for more than four years at those institutions. ‌Know what the school offers.

www.wcfcourier.com You may be willing to pay more or take on a little more debt to graduate from a particular school because of its reputation, its ability to help you find a job in your career choice or other reasons. On the other hand, a good financial aid package may open new possibilities at a school that was previously lower on your list.

What next?

After you’ve considered the offered financial aid packages, take these steps. ‌Follow directions. Read each letter to see what you need to do to accept or decline the package. Even if you haven’t decided which school to attend, you may need to sign and return your letter to reserve the financial aid package in case you decide to attend. ‌Accept only what you need.

A letter may offer only “yes” or “no” checkboxes for a total loan amount, but you don’t need to accept the entire loan. Carefully read the Master Promis-

Sunday, March 9, 2014

sory Note (MPN) enclosed with the offer. You don’t want to take on more debt than necessary, so if you can get by with less funding, accept only the amount you think you’ll need. ‌ Stay in contact with the schools. If you are awarded additional scholarships or take on an additional job, notify the schools you’re considering as soon as possible. Each school will need to reevaluate your need and its financial aid package. You should also notify the school if your situation has changed for the worse; if your parent lost a job, for example, you might qualify for more aid. ‌Ask questions. Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions about the deadlines, direct or indirect costs of attendance, changes in your situation, or how to accept only part of a package. Financial aid officers can provide more information and help make sure you follow the process so you receive as much aid as possible.

IOWA Opportunities + Connections

Your success in class and beyond is what we’re all about.

From the health sciences to the humanities, our top-ranked programs and one-on-one focus point you wherever you want to go.

It’s the kind of experience you get only here at Iowa.

Come see for yourself.

admissions.uiowa.edu Schedule a campus visit: 319-335-1569

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 17

Central College

Students become part of the action A Central College education allows you to do more than just cheer from the sidelines—you’re a part of the action. Whether you’re interested in playing a sport, arguing a case through mock trial or partnering with professors on health research, Central has opportunities that put you front and center.

Learn. Central offers 56 academic programs, including preprofessional tracks in dentistry, medicine, law, nursing, engineering and more. With an average class size of 20 students, you’ll have the chance to interact closely with professors and classmates.

Invent. Want to learn how to start a business? Central’s Entrepreneurship Program provides a platform for students to discover best practices for idea develop-

ment. You’ll learn from entrepreneurs through a speaker series, field trips, mentorships, internships and other real-world opportunities. Startup Semester offers the chance to put your skills to work to build a business or project.

Grow. Seventy-six percent of Central students have internships before they graduate. Proven experience in the field is high on employers’ wish lists for employees, and an internship gives you the edge.

At Central, students can intern as part of programs in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., as well as hundreds of sites nearby and on Central’s abroad programs.

Central students intern with diverse organizations such as Kennedy Space Center RehabWorks, the White House, Meredith Corp., Detroit Lions, Mayo Clinic, Pio-

neer Labs and many more.

Go. Looking to gain a global perspective? Among Central students, 57 percent have an international experience. Choose from programs in Austria, England, France, Ghana, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain and Wales and still graduate in four years or less. In addition to semester-long experiences, there are also summer programs at a variety of sites.

Play. Whether you’re playing a sport, a role in a theater production or an instrument, at Central there are many options to get involved in activities. More than 100 student organizations include everything from the Rugby Club to Student Senate, and among the 18 musical ensembles is the unique Flying Pans Steel Drum Band.

Central’s 19 sports programs have

Information LOCATION: Pella PHONE: (641) 638-9000 WEBSITE: www.central.edu

won 11 national NCAA Division III team championships.

Connect. Form the relationships that last a lifetime. From the best friend you meet at orientation to the alumni contacts you create

through internships, professors and job shadowing, the people you connect with at Central will help to support you as you enter the job search or take your next steps academically.

Achieve. Central College sets you up for success. Among students who graduate, 93 percent do so in four years, and 96 percent are placed in a job, graduate school or completing volunteer work one year after graduation. And Central’s commitment to affordability, combined with the fact 99 percent of students receive financial aid, means you’ll be starting your future having made a sound investment in your education.

Central College is where you can DO MORE. To learn how to become part of the action, visit www.central.edu.

GET CONNECTED. BLAZE SMITH

Clear Creek-Amana High School Tiffin, Iowa MAJOR: Athletic training INTERNSHIP: I was an athletic training intern for the Detroit Lions this past summer. I worked their preseason training camp as well as their two mini-camps.

WHY I CHOSE CENTRAL: I chose Central because it is a place where the harder you work, the more successful you become. If you have a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, Central provides the opportunities to be successful.

Pella, Iowa

WWW.CENTRAL.EDU @centralcollege

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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Grand View University

Do the view Deciding on a college can be overwhelming. But nothing is more important than a solid academic program in your area of interest, so you can get the education that will lead you to a great career.

Grand View has programs that will open a window onto the world.

We are a private university in Des Moines, founded in 1896 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

We offer bachelor’s degrees in 40 majors, including business, education, nursing, graphic design, communication, human services, criminal justice, psy-

chology, biology, computer science, and more.

Grand View is home to 2,300 students, with a student-tofaculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 17. We also offer four master’s degrees with night and weekend classes through the College for Professional and Adult Learners.

Among the things that make Grand View special is an emphasis on hands-on experiences.

Our location is the perfect place for the internships that can lead to a job and create your first career network.

Partnerships with major corporations and organizations in

Information

COURTESY PHOTO

LOCATION: Des Moines PHONE: (515) 263-2810 or (800)-444-6083 WEBSITE: www.admissions. grandview.edu

A group of students gather in front of the Charles S. Johnson Wellness Center, which houses the nursing and health and wellness departments, as well as offices, sports practice areas, workout facilities, 1/10 mile track, field house and Sisam Arena gymnasium.

your success are important parts of Grand View quality.

That translates into value.

We typically award more than the metro area create a variety personal attention, hands-on $35 million each year in financial education, leadership opportu- assistance, as well as work-study of internship opportunities.

High academic standards, nities and a true commitment to and loans.

Be successful.

Undergraduate

Accelerated Evening & Online

Graduate

With undergraduate, graduate, accelerated online and accelerated evening academic programs, Mount Mercy University offers the educational path that fits your needs today while preparing you for your future. At Mount Mercy, you can expect to be engaged by small classes and individualized attention from accomplished professors. When you graduate, you’ll know the practical, challenging education you received equipped you to lead a courageous and successful life. Learn more at www.mtmercy.edu.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | 800-248-4504

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 19

Kaplan University

College bound? New scholarship can lower cost of your degree JILL HANSEN Kaplan University‌

As admissions director at Kaplan University, Cedar Falls Campus, I’m pleased to announce an exciting educational opportunity for our newly enrolling students.

For the first time, Kaplan Un ive rs i ty i s offering an academic schol arship to high Jill Hansen school graduates who have earned their diploma within the past year.

It’s called the High School Achiever Scholarship.

As the name implies, this new scholarship is a performancebased award available to recently

graduated students who have earned a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above.* Applying for the High School Achiever Scholarship takes minutes. All you need to do is fill out a simple online form and send it in with a copy of your high school transcripts.

If you’ve earned a GPA of 2.5 to 2.79 in high school, you’ll be eligible for a $500 per-term tuition reduction. That amount increases to a $1,000 per-term reduction if you’ve earned a GPA of 2.8 to 3.19, and $1,500 per-term reduction if you’ve earned a GPA of 3.2 or higher.

That can add up to a lot of savings — as much as $25,000 toward a bachelor’s degree program or $12,500 toward an associate’s degree program.

Best of all, the High School

Achiever Scholarship is not a loan.

The funds you receive need never be repaid.

I urge you to visit CedarFalls.

KaplanUniversity.edu to find out more about the program. While you’re there, you can complete the application and see just how much your academic performance can lower the cost of earning your degree.

There’s no obligation, so you have nothing to lose by applying.

Kaplan University offers a wide variety of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, criminal justice†, education, and more. Courses are taught by professionals with years of experiences in their subject field, and they can be taken online, onsite, or a blend of both.

Our campus offers various

Information LOCATION: Cedar Falls PHONE: (319) 277-0220 WEBSITE: www.cedarfalls. kaplanuniversity.edu

support services to help students reach their goals. These include our academic support center offering unlimited personal tutoring at no extra charge and our onsite library and staff helping

students with research and other work.

Graduating from Kaplan University is more than an academic accomplishment — it’s real preparation for entering the workforce and building a career you can be proud of.

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www. kaplanuniversity.edu/studentconsumer-information.aspx.

Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. ‌Recently graduated is defined by graduation from high school within the last 12 months of a student’s start date at Kaplan University.

Amounts are based on enrollment in 2 courses per term.

Additional police academy training or education may be required for law enforcement jobs.

The higher your GPA, the lower your tuition.

Kaplan University rewards hardworking students with our High School Achiever Scholarship.

If your GPA is:

You can save:

3.2 or above

$1,500 per term

2.8 to 3.19

$1,000 per term

2.5 to 2.79

$500 per term

Recent graduates can save up to 50 percent on any undergraduate program.* Kaplan University has the learning options you need to get your education moving: > Year-round classes and activities > Classes offered online, onsite, or a blend > Tutoring services at no additional cost > One-on-one support from dedicated staff and faculty Earn your associate’s or bachelor’s degree in: > Business > Fire Sciences > Criminal Justice† > Health Sciences > Education > Information Technology

> Legal Studies > Nursing > And more

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu/student-consumer-information.aspx. * Recently graduated is defined by graduation from U.S.-based high school within the last 12 months of a student’s start date at Kaplan University. Amounts are based on enrollment in 2 courses per term. † Additional academy training and education may be required for law enforcement positions.

CollegeGuide_02/14

For more information, call 319.277.0220 or visit CedarFalls.KaplanUniversity.edu.

Cedar Falls Campus 7009 Nordic Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613

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Allen College

Job prospects bright for graduates While economic uncertainties negatively affect job opportunities for many recent college grads, Allen College’s nursing and health sciences students are finding their skills in high demand. Within six months of graduation, more than 90 percent of Allen College graduates find employment in their field or continue their education.

For students planning to become registered nurses, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19 percent increase in job availability by 2022. The average salary of a registered nurse in the U.S. is just above $31 per hour. More nursing positions are becoming available currently, due to the growing number of people with access to healthcare services and the increasingly aging population.

Zach Goodsell, an August 2013 graduate of Allen College’s accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program, found a job very quickly after graduation.

Goodsell earned his BSN degree in only 15 months and now works in the surgery unit at UnityPoint Health—Allen Hospital.

“The job market for new graduates is on the upswing, and many of our graduates are finding employment prior to graduation,” said Joanna Ramsden-Meier, director of student services for Allen College. “A few years ago employers were not hiring new graduates until after they had passed boards.”

Allen College strives to help

Information LOCATION: Waterloo PHONE: (319) 226-2000 WEBSITE: www.allencollege.edu

Allen College employment stats

COURTESY PHOTO

students develop the leadership and critical thinking skills, as well as gain necessary clinical experiences, to help them find employment in a timely fashion after graduation. With a BSN from Allen College, graduates are capable of practicing nursing in many different settings.

“We continue to add academic programs to Allen College’s offerings to meet the demands of today’s changing healthcare

environment,” said Allen College admissions counselor Molly Quinn. “Whether students choose nursing or another health profession, such as radiography or medical laboratory science, they may be surprised at the positive job markets they find upon graduation.”

Several factors are contributing to the increase in nursing demand, according to an online interview with Peter McMenamin, PhD, senior policy fellow and health-

care economist for the American Nurses Association. Economic recovery, care coordination and the Affordable Care Act are factors, as well as the aging population.

“For example, two to three million Boomers will age into Medicare every year for the next 30 years,” McMenamin said. “That’s going to continue to increase the demand for nurses.”

U.S. News & World Report ranks

Of 148 students reporting their status from 2012-2013 academic year: 79 percent reported being employed in Iowa 10 percent reported being employed outside Iowa 4 percent reported furthering their education without seeking employment

nursing at No. 6 in the top 100 best jobs of 2014. In the healthcare field, nursing bumps up to No. 4.

“If students have ever considered working in nursing or healthcare, we invite them to see what Allen College has to offer,” Quinn said. “Very few careers are as promising, or as rewarding.”

ICAN opens Student Success Center in Waterloo WATERLOO — The Iowa College Access Network has partnered with the University of Northern Iowa to open a new Student Success Center at the UNI Center for Urban Education, 800 Sycamore St. ICAN’s mission is to empower Iowans to achieve their educational and career goals through state-

wide comprehensive outreach, initiatives and partnerships with schools, groups and businesses.

Rob Miller, executive director of ICAN, said the center will provide “local” services across a 13-county radius encompassing 46 high schools and approximately 16,000 students.

Space has been donated at

UNI-CUE. In the 2012-2013 academic year, ICAN assisted more than 450,000 students and parents statewide.

By having this new ICAN Student Success Center in Waterloo, ICAN and UNI-CUE hope to assist even more individuals find a path to their future.

ICAN provides its services

onsite at 99 percent of the state’s high schools. To bring this programming directly to students, parents, and schools statewide, ICAN works with a variety of business and industry partners, colleges and universities, and financial institutions to enable print, digital, and in-person services to be delivered.

The new ICAN location is now offering one-on-one high school, college planning and financial aid appointments. All ICAN services are provided at no cost to students, parents, or participating schools.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.

ICANsucceed.org/waterloo.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 21

Ashford College

Learn and grow together If you’ve already taken college courses, you may be able to transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your bachelor’s degree at Ashford University. In some cases, your associate’s degree can fulfill general education requirements at Ashford University, meaning your graduation day could be even closer!

You can choose from more than 25 undergraduate programs, from Accounting to Elementary Education to Psychology. Plus, you’ll receive academic guidance from Ashford University’s faculty members and admissions specialists.

You may also qualify to receive financial aid.

Outside of class, you can explore the arts, discover the satisfaction of community service, or just have fun in any of Ashford University’s clubs and organizations. You’ll find service organizations, special interest groups, special-event planning committees, support groups, honor societies, and recreation clubs to feed your passion.

Do you love sports? Ashford University’s 17 intercollegiate athletics teams are on the rise and have certainly given “Champ,” the school’s St. Bernard mascot, something to cheer about. Ashford University, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Association of Independent Institutions offers the following: men’s and women’s sports, baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

With more great recruits and state-of-the-art facilities like the artificial turf soccer field and outdoor track, the Saints are set-up for continued success. Read more at www.ashfordathletics.com, the online home of athletics at Ashford University.

ASHFORD UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS Being rewarded for your grades has never sounded better…

Information LOCATION: Clinton PHONE: (800) 242-4153 FAX: (563) 243-6102 WEBSITE: www.chooseashford. com EMAIL: CampusAdmissions@ ashford.edu

You’re sure to feel right at home in one of Ashford University’s three residence halls — two on campus and one located just minutes away. You can count on making the most of your learning opportunities in a high-tech environment where you can use your laptop computer throughout the wireless campus. Also, be sure to check out the completely renovated three-story Ladd Science Building.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to education. Choose Ashford University, and become part of an extended family. The lasting relationships you form and the high-quality education you receive will make for a memorable college experience.

Ashford University is accredited

by WASC Senior College and University Commission, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001, www.wascsenior.org. WASC is a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

If you have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above on a 4.00 scale*, you may be eligible to receive one of three academic scholarships available through Ashford University (up to enrollment capacity on campus).

PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP 3.50 GPA AND UP This scholarship will cover 100% of the cost of tuition per academic year at Ashford University!**

PROVOST’S SCHOLARSHIP 3.25 TO 3.49 GPA This scholarship awards $12,500 toward the cost of tuition per academic year at Ashford University.**

DEAN’S SCHOLARSHIP 3.00 TO 3.24 GPA This scholarship awards $10,000 toward the cost of tuition per academic year at Ashford University.** Visit chooseashford.com for the details about a the scholarships all 2014 enrollment at the available to students for Fall enr on, Iowa.

Ashford University campus in Clinton, I

COME VISIT US:

400 NORTH BLUFF BLVD..

CLINTON, IA 52732 800.242.4153 CHOOSEASHFORD.COM *Ashford calculates scholarships using un-weighted grades. **Certain conditions apply.

Visit chooseashford.com for complete details.

14AUC140146 • AC0255

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Waldorf College Don’t fall victim Small classes, top majors and personal attention to senioritis Do your seniors know that slacking off during the spring semester or after being accepted to college may jeopardize their future plans? Every year, colleges rescind offers of admission, put students on academic probation or alter financial aid packages as a result of “senioritis.”

Colleges may reserve the right to deny admission to an accepted applicant should the student’s senior-year grades drop. Admission officers can ask a student to explain a drop in grades and can revoke an offer of admission if not satisfied with the response.

And because the colleges do not receive final grades until June or July, students may not learn of a revoked admission until July or August, after they’ve given up spots at other colleges and have few options left.

Source: collegeboard.com

At Waldorf College, we offer popular majors, small classes, loads of sports and activities, a vibrant college community and a generous scholarship program.

Waldorf is a friendly, private liberal arts school located just two hours north of Des Moines and two hours south of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

We have an excellent selection of top majors, including communications, business, criminal justice and wellness.

Students are taught by professors, not teaching assistants.

The low student:faculty ratio means you’ll get personal attention from professors dedicated to your suc-

cess.

Performing arts are big at Waldorf. You won’t have to wait until your junior or senior year to play a role in theater.

If music is your thing, we want you in choir, wind symphony or on the Warrior Line drum line.

We offer special performing arts scholarships to nonmajors.

Waldorf now offers 18 different intercollegiate sports teams.

Cross country, ice hockey, bowling and women’s wrestling are recent additions.

We have new locker room facilities and a state-of-theart artificial turf football/ soccer field.

Information LOCATION: Forest City PHONE: (800) 292-1903 WEBSITE: www.waldorf.edu

The YMCA, with a pool, indoor running track and plenty of fitness classes, is right next door. Free YMCA membership is one of the benefits of being a Waldorf

student.

Waldorf has an outstanding selection of living options: on-campus residence halls, off-campus apartments and theme houses.

We offer a two-year associate degree program in addition to our traditional four-year liberal arts curriculum, as well as accredited online programs in psychology, business administration, organizational leadership, fire science administration and criminal justice administration.

The college has one of the lowest tuition rates in Iowa, and generous scholarship programs.

You can get a $500 scholarship just for visiting campus.

We invite you to live at NIACC and join our vibrant campus community. There’s no better way to become connected to the college, the campus, and the student body. You’ll experience college life as it’s meant to be, and build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com College Guide Page 23

University of Northern Iowa

Small university. Big education.

Small class sizes, more than 90 undergraduate majors, 250+ involvement opportunities, 138 years of school pride and one incredible value.

These are just a few of the reasons why students choose to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa.

More than 35 percent of our students transfer from other colleges or universities — UNI was the right choice for them.

We want to make UNI the right choice for you!

UNI offers everything from the arts to sciences, education to business and psychology to history. We pride ourselves on giving students the opportunity to work and learn directly with faculty — 99 percent of

Information LOCATION: Cedar Falls PHONE: (800) 772-2037 WEBSITE: www.uni.edu

our classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students.

You’ll also have some fun along the way! Become a “True Panther” by taking

advantage of everything UNI has to offer: ‌Study abroad in more than 60 countries. ‌Check out Panther Village, apartment-style living that meets students’ needs for housing, social and academic support on many levels! ‌Indulge at our award-winning dining facilities. ‌ Cheer on one of our 17 Division I intercollegiate sports teams. ‌ Be inspired by shows offered at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

Come see what we’re all about — you’ll be glad you did! Learn more at www.uni.

A physics class at the University of Northern Iowa. edu/admissions.

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VISIT and apply to

Wartburg g SIGN U P FOR A P ERSONALIZED TO U R A N D A P P LY O N L I N E

W W W. WA R T B U R G . E D U / A D M I S S I O N S

Wartburg. Worth it.

B R I T TA N Y ’ 1 5 S C OT T ’ 1 3

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small university.

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EDUCATION. Want all the opportunities of going to a large university but with a small, friendly campus? The University of Northern Iowa is the right choice for you.

With more than 90 majors, UNI offers an excellent and affordable education.

Whether it’s one of our liberal arts majors or a premier professional program, UNI is the right fit for those seeking a stimulating, hands-on education.

UNI students also enjoy a diverse, vibrant campus. Experience college life at its best with more than 250 organizations. From clubs and Greek life to sports and live theater, there’s plenty to explore!

uni.edu

to learn more!

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Sunday, March 9, 2014