Connect to College

THE COURIERPAGE 2 SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010www.wcfcourier.comCOLLEGE GUIDE

By MELODY PARKER

Special Sections Editor

When you were a kid, adults always asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Now its time to make the choice, and education can make it happen. A good education can give you a much better shot at realizing your career goals. And you’ll earn more money.

Someone with a bachelor’s degree will earn 60 percent more than a person with a high school diploma.

What’s that mean? The gap between a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a high school graduate in earning potentials is more than $800,000, accord-ing to a 2007 College Board study.

So, yeah, higher education is worth it.In the past 20 years, higher-education

options have exploded. Satellite loca-tions, 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 profession-al schools that can train you for specifi c careers.

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

Who gets inThe number of college applicants is ris-

ing, according to college experts, and get-ting into the college of your choice is more competitive than ever.

Students and parents are encouraged to consider a range of options, includ-ing community colleges, small public or private colleges and schools with specifi c study disciplines such as business.

Some colleges are “open admissions,” accepting students on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis. Other colleges are very selec-tive and admit only a small number of applicants each year. Most colleges are in between.

Let your fi ngers do the walking — use

your computer to surf the Web.Take virtual tours and view videos about

campus life at potential colleges and uni-versities. Cruise the U.S. News & World Report Web site, www.usnews.com, and check out their Student Center and Col-lege Click TV links.

What a college wantsThe College Board says the high school

record gets the most emphasis: Courses taken Counselor/teacher

recommendations Ethnicity Grades Application questions and essays Geo-graphic location Grade point average Personal interview Alumni relationship

Rank in class Activities outside the classroom Major/ college applied to Admission test results Special talents and skills Extracurricular activities

While extracurricular activities can look good on an application, schools mainly look at them to see if a student has shown a long-term commitment to one or two activities.

Don’t freak out over testsEntrance exams aff ect admission and

fi nancial aid.Most colleges will require some type of

entrance exam, which may be a factor used in the admission and/or fi nancial aid process.

Determine which test to take.Most colleges accept SAT and ACT

assessments. Community colleges and technical schools may require a dif-ferent standardized test, such as the ASSET test. Check with each college

CG2010Getting the edge

High performance in the classroom generally translates into a higher percentage of grants and merit scholarships and a lower percentage of loans.

Take SAT and ACT review courses: Raising standardized test scores can save families thousands of dollars by increasing the size of fi nancial aid packages. If no courses are offered in your area, at least purchase one of the test preparation books to bone up before the exams.

Take advanced placement classes.

Illustration by DAVID HEMENWAY / Courier Graphic Artist

THE COURIER PAGE 3SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010 www.wcfcourier.com COLLEGE GUIDE

you are considering to determine which test is preferred.

The ACT, the other college entrance test, based in Iowa City and popular in the Midwest, 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 your best scores, but that rule makes some students uncomfortable.

You may also want to consider taking the Preliminary ACT and the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualify-ing Test as practice for the actual assess-ment. 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 fi rst 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.

Jump off and do something normalHigh school students who feel every

vacation must be academically signifi cant should try an ordinary job instead, and maybe even have fun. A summer job might even help some applications.

Don’t be a show-offYou need only two good extracurricular

activities. Colleges want to see you follow your dreams and your passions, not show off how many clubs you joined. Pick two things you really like, and give them the time they deserve.

Have fun with your essayA little humor, particularly if it is self-

deprecating, often works. Don’t overdo it, and keep it light.

Nothing is perfectLook for a place that fi ts you, and

remember that many colleges can meet your needs. There is no perfect college

for any given fi eld or student. Look for options.

Remember: It is your character, not the name of your college, that is likely to bring success.

It’s a no-brainerGetting into a selective school is a game of

chance. It has little to do with your brains or talents. Selective college admissions offi cers admit that they reject or wait-list many students who are just as good as

the ones they accept. If the school is short on engineering majors or Idaho residents or piccolo players, applicants with those characteristics will be accepted. The rest will have to go elsewhere.

Don’t fret about picking the wrong school. If you fi nd it doesn’t suit you, you can always transfer.

Treat campus visits like trips to a theme park

Enjoy the scenery, listen to the guide and have lunch at the student union. After you know which schools have accepted you, you can make a more careful appraisal.

Be coolDon’t risk a potential college scholar-

ship by misbehaving in school or getting involved with drugs or alcohol. Colleg-es will steer clear of someone who could cause negative publicity.

Preparing for college visits are a major time commitment and expense. Don’t waste either resource. You don’t need to visit every college on your list to develop a clear sense of what fi ts. Make the most out of it.

College visits made simple■ Pick a reasonable number. See con-trasting types, some larger, smaller, urban, rural and so on, to develop perspective.■ Before each visit, review a college’s viewbook and Web site.■ Make a list of questions to ask of your tour guide. Don’t be afraid to talk to stu-dents on campus.■ See schools farther from home fi rst if you will not be able to later in the year, or start close to home and see a select group of schools farther away during senior fall.■ Develop a timetable to be prompt for tours or appointments. Study road maps, plane schedules; get directions from the college (these are often in the back of viewbooks, or on the Web site).■ Talk to faculty, coaches and students involved in the activities that interest you.■ Many students visit campuses during the summer, because this is when they can

get an interview and get away from school, sports or other responsibilities. If you visit in the summer and are very interested in the college, return during the fall to see the campus when students are there.

Don’t just pick one■ Include one or two college where you’re (almost) positive you can get in. Here you can get a good education, but it is not necessarily a good match. These are your back-up choices.■ List several colleges that fi t your aca-demic and social goals, and that you have at least a 75-percent change of getting in.■ Add in one or two colleges that off er a challenge. You may not get in, but it’s worth the price of postage to mail the application.

Application tipsRemember that teacher who said “read

the directions before writing on this test paper?” But you jumped ahead and wrote your name on the top, then read the fi rst instruction: “Do not write your name on this test.” Lesson learned. Read on.

1. Read all directions carefully.2. Have someone read and proofread all

parts of your application.3. Use your essay as a chance to show

admissions offi cers that you’re more than grades and test scores.

4. Include anything that makes you stand out from the crowd, such as honors, awards or special talents.

5. Review your high school transcript to see that it accurately refl ects your courses, activities, awards and grades.

6. Make copies of everything you send.7. Keep track of which colleges you’ve

sent mailings.

Ask-worthy questions

How long, on average, does it take students to graduate?

Is it diffi cult to get the classes required for graduation?

What is the student/faculty ratio?

Does the faculty include teach-ing assistants or do professors teach the majority of classes?

What is the placement rate? Do most students who graduate

obtain a job in their fi eld?Do they get admitted to grad

school?Do employers do on-campus job

recruiting?What housing options are

available?Are there student employ-

ment opportunities either on or off campus?

Do I need a car? Is there parking available, and if

so, is there a charge to park?Is there Internet and Wi-Fi ser-

vice on campus? Does the college provide

computers?What types of meal plans are

available? Is there a variety of food?If I have special dietary needs,

can they be accommodated? What types of options are avail-

able besides the dining hall?

THE COURIERPAGE 4 SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010www.wcfcourier.comCOLLEGE GUIDE

For parents facing next year’s college tuition, tomorrow is already here, and it will soon be upon those with kids in high school. These last-minute moves can ease tuition stress and potentially save thousands of dollars.

Consider the real costsGrant aid from federal and

state governments, institutional funds and private sources low-ers the net price for a major-ity of college students, while benefi ts from federal education tax credits and deductions can reduce the costs students and their families incur.

But many families may fi nd that they earn too much to qualify for need-based fi nancial 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.

Apply to schools that really want your child

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 typical-ly don’t hand out such aid, many well-known colleges a notch or two down on the prestige lad-der do.

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

Look close to homeMost families know it costs

less to attend a state school than a private one, but a compari-son 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 off er attractive tuition discounts to students from nearby states.

Projected costs also come down if kids pitch in with earn-ings from employment or loans. Getting children to foot some of the bill is a good idea even if money is not an issue. At the other end of the age spectrum, grandparents are sometimes willing to step in. According to the AARP, 52 percent of grand-parents contribute something to their grandchildren’s educa-tional expenses.

Parents in their 40s with children going to college and decades of working years still ahead of them are probably better able to shoulder more expenses and borrow more than parents in their 50s or 60s who are nearing retirement and have limited time to recover from college costs.

Kids can borrow for school, but parents shouldn’t borrow for retirement.

Paying for collegeParents: Be frank about

what you can aff ord to pay toward your teenager’s college education.

Discuss options for paying for college: you’ll pay, you’ll pay a portion and they’ll pay the rest; they’ll get a job and save their portion; what can be expected from fi nancial aid sources, etc.

What are your expectations of the student, anything from grade point expectations to graduate school?

Get over the guilt if you can’t aff ord the full ride. Teenagers may value more what they have to pay for.

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

Be frank about what you can aff ord to pay toward your

teenager’s college education.

Tomorrow is hereEase college worries and

get prepared with helpful tips

THE COURIER PAGE 5SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010 www.wcfcourier.com

McClatchy Newspapers

Two diff erent stories, but the message is the same: Tests don’t measure everything.

They are the beginning, not the end, of fi guring out if a student has potential.

At Wake Forest, prospective freshmen can stop sweating over SAT and ACT scores. The school will no longer require them.

Colleges and the advanced classes that lead to success and a better shot at a good life will be open to more students.

In a society where competition starts early, where many vie for the few choice spots, it’s natu-ral that not everyone would be pleased.

If you feel that way, it’s best to remember that colleges have never skimmed off the top scores when choosing a class. That would make for a boring crew. They cast a class as they would a play, mixing well-balanced

young men and women who can pitch a baseball or play the harp.

Colleges look at high school records, extracurricular activi-ties, essays and hard-to mea-sure qualities like character and leadership. It also doesn’t hurt if your family’s last name is on the side of a building.

Wake Forest’s policy, which sets it apart from other top-30 universities, is “the fair and right thing to do for us,” said the school’s admissions direc-tor Martha Allman. She called the SAT “a barrier to some stu-dents we very much want to bring” here.

Research has shown the test, meant to be the best predictor of college success, isn’t. It also favors those lucky and wealthy enough for education outside the classroom .

The reconfigured talent-development program at CMS might start to bridge a divide

that starts early and grows wider and deeper before some students apply for college and others have

given up hope.The new CMS criteria seem

logical. Test, yes. But rely a lot on

the teachers who observe chil-dren and live with them every day in the classroom.

The Value of a Wartburg Education

Michelle Fiene ’11

Waverly “I had a summer internship in Denver, Colorado, and got valuable work experience. Now that’s Be Orange value at Wartburg College.”

Eboni Coats ’11

Collins, Mississippi “Participating in service trips at Wartburg has helped

strengthen my duty to civic engagement. Now that’s

Be Orange value at Wartburg College.”

Chondraah Holmes ’11

Waterloo “Being a resident assistant at Wartburg College taught me the importance

of strong and caring communities. Now that’s Be Orange value at Wartburg College.”

Rachel Pins ’12

Dubuque “I have the opportunity to be involved in

multiple activities, such as dance

team, psychology club and service projects. Now that’s Be Orange value at Wartburg

College.”

Be Orange

➽ Small class sizes ➽ Outstanding job/graduate school placement ➽ A close community

➽ Graduate in four years ➽ Great financial aid and scholarships

Abhay Nadipuram ’10

Waterloo “I went to Guyana to start a bed-and-hammock-net project to prevent malaria. Now that’s Be Orange value at Wartburg College.”

www.wartburg.edu

COLLEGE GUIDE


College advisers can tell stu-dents what colleges to apply to, how to fi ll out their applications and how to apply for student aid.

But there isn’t anyone students can go to for help with the social and emotional aspects of getting ready for college.

While it is important to get through the bureaucracy and piles of paper work, it also is important to know what to do in preparation for college on a personal level.

Shopping for college ahead of time is both benefi cial and more cost-eff ective.

If you wait until after school starts to fi ll up your dorm room, you will fi nd yourself running around a new city trying to get everything you need, and when

you need a microwave, it won’t matter the price you pay at the register.

Try shopping ahead of time with your parents. Get the basics like bedding and technol-ogy, such as a laptop and printer. You probably don’t know the layout of your dorm or what your roommates are bringing, so you’ll want to put off buy-ing a TV or any large pieces of furniture.

To really prepare, it is impor-tant to spend time with your friends. It can be diffi cult to head off to a new place without them, so get in as much time as you can while the school year winds down and into the summer.

And keep in mind, Facebook helps provide a way for incom-ing freshmen to meet others who share their university.

More to admissionsColleges don’t just use tests

when accepting students

Prepare for college years

THE COURIERPAGE 6 SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010www.wcfcourier.com

By ERIC GORSKI

AP Education Writer

In the last year, the nation’s private colleges have laid off staff , shelved construction proj-ects, slashed sports teams and turned down thermostats to cut costs. But student fi nancial aid has kept fl owing.

Now the weak economy is forcing some institutions to limit their generosity after many of them doubled or even tripled fi nancial aid over the last decade to attract more applicants and reduce student debt.

Two of the nation’s most selec-tive private colleges — Dartmouth and Williams — announced they would no longer off er aid pack-ages that allow students of any income to attend without tak-ing out loans. Other schools are expected to follow suit, meaning many middle-class students will have to take on more debt.

Situations vary depending on the school, but experts expect fi nancial aid at private schools to be less generous than last year while colleges increase tuition by 4 to 6 percent.

Many colleges dipped into savings last year to increase stu-dent aid out of concern enroll-ments would plunge because of the economic downturn — fears that went unrealized at most schools.

Between 30 and 40 schools, most of them private, replaced loans with grants or scholarships for students on fi nancial aid in recent years. But that was when college endowments were post-ing record gains. Dartmouth’s endowment lost 23 percent of its value last fi scal year, falling to $2.8 billion.

Williams College, a private lib-eral arts school in Williamstown, Mass., became the fi rst school to announce it would rescind a no-loans policy, starting in fall 2011.

Other elite private schools are sticking with their no-loan pol-icies, at least for now. Among them is Amherst College, which has doubled its low-income stu-dent enrollment in recent years,

in part through more transfers from community colleges and more international students.

Amherst is asking students on fi nancial aid to contribute more of their summer earnings to their education — a step that’s anticipated at Swarthmore Col-lege and other schools.

Most private schools, how-ever, can only dream of being as wealthy as Amherst, one of 54 colleges and universities in the U.S. with endowments of more than $1 billion.

Schools facing greater fi nan-cial diffi culties might engage in “leveraging” — sweetening the

pot for students who can pay a larger chunk of their tuition in a bid to infl uence enrollments and improve their bottom lines, said Mark Kantrowitz, a fi nancial aid expert and publisher of the FinAid and FastWeb sites.

Rice University in Houston plans a modest tuition increase

and an increase to need-based fi nancial aid. Rice President David Leebron said the school remains committed to a fi nancial aid package that includes elimi-nating loans for families with incomes of less than $80,000, and capping total loans for four years of college at $10,000.

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COLLEGE GUIDE


By AMIE STEFFEN

[email protected]

Today, there are fewer jobs available to people with no col-lege education.

There also are fewer jobs, period.

Those aff ected by layoff s in the new economy are realiz-ing this and they going back to school as a way of furthering their marketability.

But the recession also is affecting colleges, where tuition hikes are piled on top of students who are less equipped to pay now than they were fi ve years ago.

College fi nancial aid offi ces are noticing that students are struggling more than ever.

“We’ve seen a huge rise in the number of students that have a reduction of income because a family member no longer has a job,” said Joyce Morrow, direc-tor of the University of North-ern Iowa’s fi nancial aid offi ce.

Even private colleges — which generally see nearly all of their students on some form of fi nan-cial aid, be it grants, loans, or scholarships — are seeing more needy students come through.

Wartburg College director of fi nancial aid Jen Sassman said in the fi rst quarter of 2009, the school saw a 20.8 percent increase from 2008 in students fi ling the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which makes a student eligible for federal and state need-based grants, loans and scholarships.

“What’s changed for Wart-burg in particular is because of the economy and the natu-ral disasters,” Sassman said. “They feel their situation isn’t refl ected (on the FAFSA), and they would like to tell us more

of the story.”That’s exactly what fi nancial

aid offi ces are for, said Sassman. She encourages incoming col-lege students to start with their high school guidance counsel-or, to see what scholarships are available at the local level.

Fill out the FAFSA as soon after Jan. 1 of the year you would like to receive funding for school, then talk to your college’s fi nancial aid offi ce, she added.

“Our fi rst goal is to fi nd more free money for them — any grants or scholarships we can fi nd,” Sassman said.

Don’t think that just because you’re not going to a four-year institution you won’t be able to get funding. Hawkeye Community College director of fi nancial aid Lois Mulbrook said record enrollment at community colleges doesn’t mean there’s less money to go around. In fact, more students are applying and receiving federal and state aid.

“The (federal) Pell grant number increased 25 percent over last year,” she said. “We have had more requests for adjustments due to special circumstances.”

With community colleges touting their aff ordability and fl exible schedules, they’ve become the go-to schools for the recently unemployed, said Dave Ball, director of admissions and student life at Hawkeye.

“They are looking toward community colleges in gen-eral,” he said. “They’re reluc-tant to take on more debt, and (want) to guard against the next economic downturn.”

Besides high school and college fi nancial aid offi ces,

plenty of resources are avail-able online for prospective stu-dents. Two of the biggest are FastWeb.com and FinAid.org, which off er free assistance with obtaining scholarships and

learning about diff erent grants and loans.

The bottom line, said Morrow, is that college fi nancing doesn’t have to leave you mired in bot-tomless debt.

“Don’t just assume there’s not going to be funding, and there’s no help — we hate to see students drop out,” she said. “If circumstances change, changes can be made.”

INDIAN HILLSCommunity College

Ottumwa Centerville

Excellence: Expect It...Experience It!

www.indianhills.edu (800) 726-2585

Indian Hills offers transferable Arts and Sciences courses and more than 50 career-focused educational programs. Uniqueprograms include:

Aviation MaintenanceAviation Pilot TrainingBioprocess TechnologyDigital ForensicsDrafting/Virtual RealityGeospatial TechnologyLaser/Electro-OpticsPhysical Therapist AssistantRenewable Energy TechnologyRobotics/Automation

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*

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COLLEGE GUIDE

College fi nancial aid encom-passes four forms of assis-tance — scholarships, grants, work-study and loans.

Students become eligible for aid from federal and state agencies and from colleges by fi ling the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form is available at no cost at www. fafsa.ed.gov or by call-ing (800) 433-3243. Students may fi le the form without professional assistance.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the federal application for fi nan-cial aid.

The form needs to be fi lled out soon after Jan. 1 of your senior year of high school and before your college’s fi nancial aid priority deadline.

Deadlines for your state or schools may be diff erent from the federal deadlines and you may be required to complete additional forms.

Ask your school about their defi nition of an applica-tion deadline, whether it is the receipt date and time or the process date and time of the application.

FAFSA needs to be fi lled out (by you and your parents) every year you want to be

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considered for fi nancial aid. The information on this form is used to decide how much fi nancial aid you qualify for from the federal government, the state and colleges.

Check with your high school guidance counselor or a fi nancial aid administrator at your school about state and school sources of student aid.

Note: State forms do not replace fi lling out the FAFSA.

You must fi ll out the FAFSA to receive federal student aid.

Source: Iowa College Access Network

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Complete the FAFSA for college fi nancial aidFinancing collegeStudents struggle to meet higher tuition, fees with

economy on the rebound


What first brought Chris Apling to Hawkeye Communi-

ty College in Waterloo was the UNI-Hawkeye Transfer Agree-ment, which he discovered while taking college cours-es during his senior year at Janesville High School.

During his fi rst year at Hawkeye, he discovered his passion for stay-ing involved in college through various student body organi-zations, which may have not been available to him at larger

schools.“My favorite thing about

Hawkeye is its accessibility for students to really get involved, not only in the college, but in the community too,” said Apling.

He is president of Phi Theta Kappa Hawkeye Chapter, an international honor society for community colleges, president of the Hawkeye Student Senate and a student ambassador.

Through these organiza-tions, Apling has had leadership opportunities that provide him with invaluable experience for his career path. A liberal arts major, he plans to study politi-cal science when he transfers to UNI.

Being involved in school orga-nizations is just one way that Apling stays connected to cam-pus, since he commutes from his home in Janesville. Hawk-eye has more than 20 clubs and organizations and off ers numerous intramural sports. It also has club sports — soc-

cer, cross country and rugby — which travel and compete against other colleges in Iowa.

So why does Apling believe others should attend Hawkeye?

“Hawkeye is a cost-eff ective way to get a degree and at the same time, satisfy general edu-cation requirements for most

majors at other colleges. “All in a no-hassle, friendly

environment that allows for students to get involved at the same time.”

For more information, call the Admissions Offi ce at 296-4000 or visit www.hawkeye-college.edu.

47 career programs97 percent of Hawkeye graduates

are employed.86 percent work directly in their

fi eld of study or in a related fi eld.

Transfer programs50 percent of Hawkeye students

plan to continue their studies and transfer to a four-year college.

Cost of HawkeyeA full-time student who trans-

fers to a four-year public college or university after attending Hawkeye will save thousands of dollars over a four-year period.

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Financial aidMore than 87 percent of new full-

time Hawkeye students receive some fi nancial assistance. Financial aid is available to all students, and every year Hawkeye awards thousands of dollars in the form of scholarships, fi -nancial aid grants, work-study funds and loans.

HousingHawkeye Towers and Hawkeye

Village are located across the street from Hawkeye.

University of Northern Iowa resi-dence halls offer Hawkeye students the option to live in the residence

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halls and receive the same benefi ts as UNI students.

Hawkeye shuttleHawkeye has a bus shuttle provid-

ing transportation to and from Hawk-eye and the University of Northern Iowa.

Career placementHawkeye has an online career

placement service for students and graduates.

Student healthHawkeye has a nurse practitioner

on staff on the main campus.

Start your career

without four more years of school!

COLLEGE GUIDE

Hawkeye Community College Off ers big chance for student involvement.

Facts about Hawkeye Community College

Chris Apling

Indian Hills Community College Helps prepare students through variety, outstanding programs.

Indian Hills Community College has developed a reputation for outstanding

programs, instructors, staff and facilities during the more than 40 years the college has been in existence in southeast Iowa.

Nine buildings have been added to the IHCC main campus in Ottumwa, and the newest, the Rural Health Education Center, is a state-of-the-art facility that houses the college’s 19 health occupations programs.

Indian Hills also has a newly renovated north campus at the Ottumwa airport where avia-tion pilot training and aviation maintenance — along with three other programs — are taught.

In addition, IHCC has a cam-pus in Centerville that off ers unique programs in drafting/virtual reality technology and construction management and

agriculture-related programs in viticulture and sustainable agriculture/entrepreneurship.

IHCC off ers a four-day aca-demic week, which has proven to be very popular for students who are balancing their college schedule with a full-time or part-time job.

The college sponsors more than 30 clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for student involvement and lead-ership. Intramural sports are very popular, as is participation in the college’s chorus, jazz band and theatrical productions.

Indian Hills has nine athletic teams: men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf, softball and baseball.

To schedule a visit or for more information, call (800) 726-2585 or go to www.indianhills.edu.


By EDITH WALDSTEIN

Vice President for

Enrollment Management

When people make major purchases, they weigh their

options and choose the greatest value for their money.

When you shop for a college, consider the value of a Wart-burg education in Waverly.

First, put costs into perspective:

More than 90 percent of Wartburg graduates obtain their degrees in four years or less. They don’t have to worry about class wait lists or tak-ing their time to make a good decision on a major — both of which often delay graduation at other colleges and universi-ties. Consequently, they start their careers (making money) or begin graduate or professional school earlier than the average state school graduate.

Wartburg graduates have a 98 percent job and gradu-ate school placement rate, including 92 percent at medi-cal schools, which is twice the national average. They benefi t from smaller classes taught by professors, not teaching assistants.

Median starting salaries for Wartburg graduates are around $40,000 and mid-career sal-aries are likely to be close to $72,000.

College “sticker prices” are not a true measure of cost. More than 90 percent of Wart-burg students get some form of fi nancial aid. In fact, Wart-burg students have an average loan indebtedness that’s only $1,000 more than students at Iowa Regents universities and a low 2 percent loan default rate, which compares to the 14 per-cent national average.

Now weigh the benefi ts of

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going to a residential, liberal arts college that adheres to its “Be Orange” values of leader-ship, service, faith and learning, while embodying a real sense of community:

91 percent of Wartburg alumni said they “benefi ted very much” (highest rating) from the “quality of faculty ref-erences” in obtaining a job or admission to graduate school. That compares to 24 percent at public universities.

More than 75 percent of Wartburg graduates will have had an off -campus experi-ential (hands-on) learning opportunity.

More than 40 percent of Wartburg graduates will have studied abroad. Indeed, Wartburg’s one-course, four-week May Term gives students a unique opportu-nity for studying abroad or at home.

Wartburg is ranked among the top three chapters of Break Away, the alternative break organization, for the percent-age of students participating on service trips.

The Washington Center named Wartburg as one of fi ve colleges to win its Higher Education Civic Engagement Award, stating that Wartburg serves as a “model” for other schools.

Wartburg students excel in and out of the classroom. A quarter of Wartburg students participate in an acclaimed music program with national and international tours. One third of Wartburg students are involved in an intercolle-giate athletic program ranked among the top 25 overall in NCAA Division III for the past nine years, winning three national team championships in 2008-09 (wrestling, and women’s indoor and outdoor

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track and fi eld). Add it up, and you’ll fi nd

exceptional “Be Orange Value” awaits at Wartburg College.

Find out more at www.wart-burg.edu/admissions.

www.luther.edu [email protected] 1.800.458.8437

You’ll have a rigorous intellectual experience at Luther. From your first-year interdisciplinary course, to your senior project on a topic you’re passionate about, you’ll ask challenging questions and develop valuable skills with the support and mentorship of committed faculty. Luther students are intense about launching into lives of discovery.

INtense

Wartburg College Emphasizes the value of education.

COLLEGE GUIDE

COURTESY PHOTO

Wartburg was named one of the top fi ve colleges in the nation for civic engagement due to the high percentage of students on service trips, such as this one last spring to do rebuilding and cleanup in hurricane-ravaged Galveston, Texas.


Coe College in Cedar Rapids offers superb academics and exciting

social opportunities in a thriv-ing urban setting that allows students to grow and succeed. Established in 1851, Coe has a distinctive history of liberal arts excellence and a nationally rec-ognized reputation for quality.

The key to Coe’s tradition of excellence in academic qual-ity relates directly to small class sizes and the interest shown by professors to make learning a personalized experience. At Coe, the average class size is 16, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.

Along with quality instruction from outstanding faculty, Coe off ers an abundance of out-of-class opportunities to provide students with a well-rounded experience and solid prepara-tion for the future. Within six months of graduation, 98 per-cent of Coe graduates are work-ing or in graduate school.

Phi Beta Kappa, the most distinguished honor society for college and university stu-dents, recognizes Coe for its academic excellence by includ-ing Coe as one of only fi ve pri-vate colleges in Iowa and 270 institutions in the U.S. with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Coe is featured in college guidebooks such as The Princeton Review’s “Best 371 Colleges” and “Peter-son’s Guide to Selective Col-leges.” Forbes’ “Best American Colleges” ranks Coe as 182nd nationally.

One reason for student suc-cess is because of the unique opportunities provided by the Coe Plan. The Coe Plan intro-duces students to a variety of experiences through intern-ships, off -campus study and individual research with fac-

ulty, as well as special lecturers and personal career planning. Examples of recent internships include the Chicago Board of Trade, the Arizona Cardinals and the Mayo Clinic. Research opportunities have taken stu-dents to laboratories in the United Kingdom, Germany, China and many other places.

More than 90 percent of Coe students participate in co-cur-ricular activities. Fine arts pro-grams provide a cornerstone of activity at Coe, with a wide variety of music, art and the-ater opportunities. Coe College is a member of the Iowa Con-ference, one of the most active and competitive conferences in NCAA Division III, providing excellent opportunities for par-ticipation of student-athletes.

Over the past few years, numerous new construction projects and facility upgrades have taken place at Coe College, enhancing the environment on the residential campus. Coe students enjoy classrooms and laboratories incorporating the latest technology, new apart-ment-style residences and an updated dining hall with some-thing for every taste.

In athletics, FieldTurf, an all-weather surface used by many college and professional athletic teams, has replaced the grass at Clark Field. At Eby Fieldhouse, a new gymnasium fl oor, bleach-ers and lighting are in place, creating a modern arena for Coe basketball, wrestling and vol-leyball. Additionally, Coe stu-dents have access to a fi rst-rate Fitness Center, Racquet Center and Natatorium.

Coe is one of just a few private liberal arts colleges in the nation located in a metropolitan area of 175,000 residents. The Cedar Rapids area provides an abun-

dance of internship, cultural and recreational opportunities for students.

To really get to know Coe Col-lege, you have to see it in per-son. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Coe at 877.CALL.COE or check out www.coe.edu.

1 EARNING a focused business degree in 3 years - not 4 or 5!

1 GAINING valuable career experience before graduation!

1 LIVING on-campus in a 1-or 2-bedroom apartment minutes from downtown

Des Moines.

1 SAVING with AIB’s Tuition Freeze program.

VISIT 1www.aib.edu CALL 1 800-444-1921 515-246-5358 TEXT 1“AIB” to 68632E-MAIL 1 [email protected]

1“AIB College of Business”1 follow @AIBCollege

AT AIB!

YOURSELF...

Coe College Off ers academic excellence, small classes.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Coe College1220 First Avenue NE, Cedar

Rapids, 52402www.coe.edu399-8500 or (877) 225-5263Private, four-year, coeduca-

tional, liberal arts college.Average ACT: 25.4.Average GPA: 3.6.Enrollment: 1,300 studentsTo schedule a visit, e-mail

[email protected] or call (877) 225-5263.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Students gather in the shadow of the iconic Sinclair Auditorium

steeple on the Coe College campus.


1220 First Avenue NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1.877.CALL COE www.coe.edu

See for yourself what Coe has to offer.Discover why Coe College is consistently ranked as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country. Check us out online or schedule a visit today.

Ashford UniversityOff ers blend of tradition, 21st-century vision.

The last 90 years have brought significant changes at Ashford Uni-

versity, but what has never changed is Ashford’s commit-ment to provide aff ordable, innovative and high-quality learning opportunities to adult learners. You’ll fi nd that Ash-ford is the perfect blend of tra-dition with 21st-century vision.

Choose Ashford University in Clinton to provide you with unforgettable college experi-ences that you will treasure for a lifetime. Get the personal atten-tion you deserve thanks to small class sizes and dedicated instruc-tors. Plus, with one of the lowest tuition costs in the Midwest, you can aff ord to advance your life with Ash-ford. You may even be eligible for fi nancial aid to help you fund your education.

At Ashford, you can choose from more than 25 under-graduate programs, including accounting, business admin-istration, clinical cytotechnol-ogy, computer animation and graphic design, computer infor-mation systems, education, organizational management and social science. If you’re looking for graduate studies, Ashford off ers several programs including Master of Business Administration.

Outside of class you’ll fi nd many opportunities to get involved in clubs and organi-zations on campus. Campus organizations include service organizations, special interest groups, event planning com-mittees, support groups, honor societies and recreation clubs.

Show your Saints pride when you play for or cheer on Ash-ford’s 17 intercollegiate teams including baseball, men’s and

women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s track and fi eld, soft-ball, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. Men’s and women’s bowling and tennis will be added in fall 2010. Ash-ford is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Midwest Col-legiate Conference.

Your home away from home on campus will be in one of the two residence halls. You can

count on making the most of your learning oppor-tunities in a high-tech environment, which lets you use your laptop com-puter anywhere on Ashford’s wireless campus.

In addition to classes at its

Clinton campus, Ashford also off ers online courses, giving you another way to complete your education.

Enjoy the peaceful and charming environment of Clinton. From the university’s location on a scenic bluff , you can take in the majestic Mis-sissippi River below. Clinton is home to a minor league baseball team, a symphony orchestra, a pre-professional ballet com-pany, summer stock theater, art shows and other cultural events. You’ll fi nd that Ashford off ers a perfect small-town American experience, while just a 2 1/2-hour drive away from Chicago.

Ashford is regionally accred-ited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Cen-tral Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org); the Iowa Department of Education accredits the teacher education program within the College of Education.

For more information, visit www.chooseashford.com.

COLLEGE GUIDE

By BETH YOUNG

Emmaus, class of 2009

They say that your college years are the most formative of your life. I say with great confi dence that my life was transformed by my time at Emmaus Bible Col-lege in Dubuque, mainly because of the individuals with whom I interacted.

Because our professors work alongside us at church, sit with us in the dining hall, invite us into their homes and play intramural sports with us — our registrar is an incredible goalie — they are more than just men and women being paid to present information.

While they pushed me to excel in the classroom, they also cared about me as a whole person and

took time to invest in me. Our staff members are equally inter-ested in serving the student body. During my time at Emmaus, I became good friends with the wife of our head custodian, and for 2 1/2 years every Tuesday I visited with her, played with their kids and did a load of laundry.

I was hit with this realization within my fi rst few weeks of arriving at Emmaus: Life is not about me. Although our culture presents a demanding, egocen-tric lifestyle as the norm, my time at Emmaus loudly informed me that this is a terrible way to live. Emmaus emphasizes the impor-tance of service as a lifestyle, focusing more on others.

My time at Emmaus more than prepared me for life. I entered

Emmaus without the foggiest idea of a career path, and I left with confi dence in my abilities and goals for my future. My pro-gram of study (Bible exposition and theology) is not one that has a direct correlation with a career path such as elementary educa-tion or business administration, but the life skills I learned and the abilities I acquired through my earning my degree have more than equipped me for working in the real world.

I am now employed as enroll-ment services coordinator for the admissions department at Emmaus, and at least once a week I am struck with how my classes, professors and extra-curricular activities have prepared me.

God has used my experience at Emmaus to give me the desire to invest in the lives of others and to serve my church and community in a variety of ways. My Emmaus experience has prepared me for life as God used my professors, classmates and courses to reveal my purpose.

Emmaus Bible College Individuals helped make time in school special and interesting.

“Get the personal attention you

deserve thanks to small class sizes and dedicated instructors.”


Allen College is building a bridge for minority stu-dents in the Cedar Val-

ley—a bridge to connect stu-dents to an education in health care. The College’s new Offi ce of Diversity Services wants you to know about the rewards of a health care career. Education for that career is available close to home at Allen College.

The Allen College Office of Diversity Services opened just over a year ago. Located in a diverse com-munity, the col-lege recognized a need to increase minority-recruit-ing efforts and build support for minority students on campus.

“One of our early steps has been to reach out to minority students through presenta-tions to schools, churches and community groups,” said Doreen Mingo, assistant professor and a coor-dinator for the Allen diversity service program.

Mingo enjoys the rewards of her nursing career and works to spark interest in health care careers by sharing her expe-riences. “I try to help them understand what’s out there and what it’s like to make a dif-ference in the lives of people.”

The college also hosts minori-ty students on campus. Recent-ly at Allen, nearly 50 students from Waterloo’s George Wash-ington Carver Academy and Hoover Middle School expe-rienced hands-on activities in nursing, medical laborato-ry science, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiography and

diagnostic medical technology. They learned about ultrasound machines, how to draw blood, examine specimens under microscopes, properly position patients for x-rays and more.

Students also heard from health care professionals who do these jobs everyday and learned about training and sala-ry levels. The eff orts are making a diff erence, minority enroll-ment at Allen College has dou-

bled over the past year and students on campus benefi t from a new sup-port system.

“The Offi ce of Diversity Ser-vices provides an opportunity for voices and concerns to be heard and for students to share ex p e r i e n c e s,” said Nsia Kileo, a third-semes-ter student from

Tanzania who is earning her bachelor of science in nursing degree. “It’s a group to identi-fy with and to share ideas. It’s raising awareness of diversity on campus.”

Kileo recently graduated from Wartburg College with a biology degree. Her enroll-ment at Allen is another sign of the school’s diversity focus.

Wartburg is one of many institutions and organiza-tions Allen works with to better serve minorities. The Allen College Diversity Advi-sory Council is comprised of 34 invited members of the community. In addition to Wartburg, council members include representatives from University of Northern Iowa, and Hawkeye Community

College; Allen Hospital and Covenant Hospital employ-ees; local churches; and area schools and nonprofi ts that serve the Cedar Valley’s minor-ity population.

The council meets quarterly to get a feel for what the college is doing. It provides valuable feedback from the community the college serves.

The Offi ce of Diversity Ser-vices meets regularly with stu-dents on campus to support the growing Allen College minority student population.

“We discuss what’s going well and we do problem solving,” said Mingo. “It’s an oppor-tunity for peer-to-peer sup-port. We’re working to foster an environment for students to connect and support each other.”

Learn more about Allen Col-lege at www.AllenCollege.edu. Contact Mingo with the Allen College Offi ce of Diversity Ser-vices at 226-2049 or [email protected].

Not only will you receive a quality education

from award winning faculty … it’s a fraction of the cost of a four-year college! Better yet, with smart planning and agreements NICC holds with many colleges and universities -- -transferring is a breeze.

Register Today! For more information on transfer options visitwww.nicc.edu/transfer

www.nicc.edu

Start your Degree at NICC!

COLLEGE GUIDE

Allen College Reaches out to increase, support minorities in the Cedar Valley.

The Allen College Offi ce of Diversity Services sparks minority student health care career interests in the Cedar Valley and supports minority students on campus.

COURTESY PHOTO

“I try to help them understand what’s out there and what it’s like to make a difference in the lives of people,”

said Doreen Mingo, assistant professor at Allen College.


The University of Iowa in Iowa City off ers unpar-alleled choices and

opportunities to explore along-side students from around the world — the kind of experience you’ll fi nd at a national-caliber university.

The school is home to inter-nationally-known programs in the sciences and humanities, a top academic medical cen-ter, the esteemed Iowa Writers’ Workshop and more. It’s also a Fiske Guide to the Colleges 2010 “best buy.”

What does it mean for you? Iowa students get an array of options at a great value. With more than 100 areas of study in 11 colleges, Iowa helps you tailor your education to your interests

and get the skills you need in a competitive job market.

Iowa challenges students to excel in the classroom and beyond, stretch to discover new ideas and interests, engage in campus life, choose options that advance their goals and serve their communities. This focus on the total college experience gives Iowa students the skills they’ll need to succeed in edu-cation, work and life.

Iowa is the smallest pub-lic university in the Big Ten — 80 percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 stu-dents. Students also work one-on-one with faculty mentors on research and creative proj-ects, while personalized advis-ing helps students achieve their academic goals.

Iowa students get career guid-ance beginning their fi rst year. The state-of-the-art Pomer-antz Center puts academic and career advising under one roof. Typical job placement and grad-uate school acceptance rates

range from 91 to 100 percent.Iowa off ers Big Ten excite-

ment, school spirit and energy.Cheer on the Hawkeyes at

one of more than 170 home games each year.

Be a leader or fi nd others who share your passion for swing dancing or scuba diving in one of nearly 500 student-run groups,

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or start your own group.Sample the vibrant arts

scene .Join one of dozens of intra-

mural sports teams.Climb a rock wall, play ten-

nis, bike or swim in recreation facilities.

Meet other students who share your interests in Iowa’s

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living-learning communities.Iowa City mixes the vital-

ity and diversity of a larger city with the casual comfort of a small town. Iowa’s central cam-pus stretches along the Iowa River and is just steps away from downtown shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, shopping and nightlife.

Visiting campus is the best way to fi nd out if Iowa is right for you. Call or go online to plan your visit. The admissions site is www.uiowa.edu/admissions.

It’s Great to be a Hawkeye!

ENGAGE Hawkeyes pursue opportunities to achieve their education and career

goals. Iowa provides countless ways to get involved.

More than 100 areas of study and one-on-one support

Hundreds of student organizations and activities

Practical advice and experience for any career

Students from across the country and around the world

800-553-4692www.uiowa.edu/admissions

COLLEGE GUIDE

University of Iowa Off ers challenge and opportunity.

Fast factsMore than 100 under-

graduate areas of study in 11 colleges.

About 20,800 undergradu-ates, 30,500 students overall.

Students from every state and more than 100 countries.

15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.Nearly 500 student-run

organizations.22 Big Ten varsity sports

teams.

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University of Iowa students can cheer on the Hawkeyes at one of more than 170 home games each year.


Not all high school graduates are interested in heading directly to a four-year col-

lege. In fact, spending two years at Northeast Iowa Community College is a great way to save money and increase your chance of academic success.

If this sounds like the right path for you, consider Northeast Iowa Com-munity College’s associate in arts, associate in applied science or asso-ciate in science degrees.

Whether you live near a NICC campus in Calmar or Peosta, or one of the college’s fi ve centers, you have an opportunity to get a fi rst-rate education close to home.

Not only does NICC off er the most aff ordable college education in Northeast Iowa, you can earn credits that will transfer to a four-year col-lege or university of your choice.

The tuition for a full-time NICC student for two years translates into thousands of dollars in savings,

compared to tuition at Regent uni-versities or private colleges.

Many students enroll at NICC planning to transfer to a four-year college or university after two years. During their two years at NICC, stu-dents complete all general education credits — coursework in composi-tion, math and science, or psycholo-gy — then transfer on to take course-work in their major.

Knowing your academic goals assists in a smooth transfer process. “With the proper guidance, a stu-dent can easily come to NICC for two years, transfer to one of our partnering institutions and graduate with a bachelor’s degree within four years,” said Curt Oldfi eld, NICC vice president of academic aff airs.

Not all students enroll at NICC with a specifi c degree in mind. One of the benefi ts of attending a com-munity college is that it gives you the time and fi nancial freedom to consider diff erent areas of study

prior to transferring. NICC aca-demic advisors assist you in choos-ing classes that highlight potential career options, advisors also suggest courses with credits that transfer to the college a student is planning on attending two years down the road.

An education at NICC makes sound fi nancial sense, especially considering the one-on-one atten-tion you receive from faculty. Unlike many lectures at larger universities, NICC class sizes are small, instruc-tors take time to get to know you as an individual and assistance with coursework is readily available.

“NICC is known for its qual-ity faculty and excellent programs,” Oldfi eld said. “In fact, our trans-fer students graduate with higher grade-point averages than do stu-dents who begin their studies at the Regent universities.”

Many students who are looking for quality and fl exibility, at the same cost per credit hour, enroll in one of 12 online programs off ered at NICC. Online programs provide students who have work or family commit-ments an opportunity to earn a col-lege degree at a time and place that works best for them. Visit www.nicc.edu/online for more informa-tion on online programs.

For more information, contact the Peosta admissions offi ce at (563) 556-5110 or the Calmar admissions offi ce at (563) 562-3263.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Northeast Iowa Community College Quality education, costs and easy transfers.

Iowa Central Community

College Off ers extensive associate

degree programs.

Iowa Central Com-munity College in Fort Dodge off ers high-qual-

ity residence life opportuni-ties, total transfer options, affordable costs and a wide variety of two-year programs.

Students who enter Iowa Central for associate degree programs and vocational-technical programs fi nd low student-to-teacher ratios, a campus-wide understand-ing of business and industry needs and quick response to student input and activity trends that keep its educa-tional off erings on the cut-ting edge.

Iowa Central’s newest programs include auto body collision, biotechnology, biofuels technology, culi-nary arts, dental hygiene, diesel technology, fi re sci-ence, logistics and trans-portation management, restaurant and hospital-ity management, sustain-able energy and turf grass management.

Medical coding and health care administration pro-grams also are off ered.

Iowa Central offers 13 apartment-styled resi-dence halls, all constructed since 1996, with convenient access to classrooms, park-ing and activities. On-cam-pus living is an attractive option at Iowa Central with modern, spacious and fully equipped apartments with-in easy walking distance to all campus activities. The residence hall apartments include a kitchen with range and refrigerator, a living room, bathroom and two bedrooms. They also include phone, cable and

campus computer network operations including Inter-net access.

Iowa Central also provides many opportunities for students in theater, music and athletics. The highly acclaimed music and the-ater departments stage two major productions per year involving many talented student actors and musi-cians. Theater students are able to participate in all areas of stage production — from set design to house manager.

Vocal and instrumen-tal musicians take part in a wide variety of campus and community shows. Fort Dodge has a rich musi-cal history and the college prides itself in contribut-ing to the many high-qual-ity musical performances throughout the year, many of them held right on cam-pus in Iowa Central’s state-of-the-art auditorium.

There are 21 interscho-lastic sports for men and women off ered at Iowa Cen-tral. With a rich tradition in athletics, student-athletes are held to a high academic standard by an experienced, dedicated staff of coaches.

Iowa Central Community College maintains a strong scholarship program, which, combined with the possibil-ity of need-based fi nancial aid, makes sure students are given the opportunity to receive a quality col-lege education within their budget.

To plan a visit or for more information, call Iowa Cen-tral Community College at (800) 362-2793 or go to www.iowacentral.edu.

COURTESY PHOTO

Northeast Iowa Community College students complete general coursework, including science, before transferring for classes in their majors.


Loras is a Catholic, liberal arts college nestled high atop the

majestic bluff s of the Mis-sissippi River in Dubuque, overlooking the states of Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Social, athletic and cultural events and activi-ties are plentiful both on campus and within the Dubuque community.

College involves more than attending classes, studying and earning a degree. College is a four-year lesson in discovering who you are and who you want to become. That’s why it is so important to fi nd a college that fi ts you, a place where you can be more. At Loras College, you’ll fi nd the environ-ment and the tools you need to grow — personally, professionally and spiri-tually. You’ll explore new ways of learning, develop professional skills and learn to become part of the world beyond college.

be experiential.Loras students choose

from more than 40 majors and 12 pre-professional areas of study. As a lib-eral arts college, regard-less of your major you will be exposed to a variety of subject matter providing you with a well-rounded education. Students can take advantage of study abroad programs in Spain, South Africa, Ireland and more areas. Discover

the ways to serve others through opportunities locally and nationally, and get real-world experience with internships.

be empowered.As a Catholic College,

equally as important as the academic journey is the faith journey. Hun-dreds of students commit to weekly worship through music and other liturgi-cal ministries, as well as numerous opportuni-ties for volunteering at retreats, and serving local parishes. Loras students also continue to transform lives through nine stu-dent-fi nanced domestic and international service trips. The focus of the ser-vice trips vary from doing home repairs, working with the elderly, helping the homeless and youth tutoring.

be Duhawks.

Loras athletes and fans are proud to be Duhawks! Loras offers 21 varsity sports — 11 for men and 10 for women. As an NCAA Division III school, Loras participates in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Loras stu-dent-athletes are widely successful: Hundreds have been all-conference, all-American, all-academic, conference and national champion athletes.

be involved.One of the best ways to

develop your character is by being involved. Loras off ers a wide variety of clubs and organizations, ranging from academic clubs and faith groups to intramural activities and Greek organizations. Each year, students on the College Activities Board,

student government, the Intercultural Programs Offi ce and other groups plan a multitude of enter-taining and diverse events and activities in which students can participate.

be connected.Each full-time student

receives a Lenovo Think-Pad laptop computer for academic and personal use, complete with soft-ware and full technical support. An extensive wireless communication network and creative use of technology in the class-room makes the Loras experience one that helps students succeed academ-ically and in the workplace after graduation.

be more. be LORAS.Check out www.loras.

edu/visit or call (800) 245-6727.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Loras CollegeEvents and activities abound on campus.

University of Dubuque New academic calendar, programs set tone for future.

Last fall, the Uni-versity of Dubuque introduced a new

academic calendar. The 4-1-4 calendar

consists of a four-month fall term (September-December), a one-month January term (J-term), and a four-month spring term (February-May).

The January term will make available struc-tured time for off -cam-pus (domestic and inter-national) studies and innovative, accelerated on-campus courses. The new calendar began its phase-in with a 4-1-4 fall semester calendar in 2009 and full implemen-tation of the full-year J-term in January 2011.

Another change on campus comes with the reinstatement of the University’s adult degree program.

The University’s Learning Institute for Fulfi llment and Engage-ment off ers an accel-erated baccalaureate degree program for adult learners.

Geared to adult learn-ers age 23 and over, the UD LIFE program is designed to off er a fl ex-ible format, allowing students to earn a bach-elor’s degree in as few as three years. Classes are off ered weekday eve-nings as well as online.

The theological semi-nary opened the new school year with new students joining return-ing students for resi-dential intensive cours-es in the distance master of divinity program.

This program, accred-ited by the Association of Theological Schools,

enables students to earn a theological degree without moving away from their home community.

Courses are offered primarily via the Inter-net, but twice a year the students come to Dubuque, thereby earn-ing one-third of their credits in residency.

On the horizon, the university looks forward to the goals set forth in a new Mission, Vision, and Action Plan: 2009-15: endowment growth, additional student housing, updated facili-ties for the seminary and the development of a fi ne and performing arts center.

With a successful end to the largest capital campaign in the uni-versity’s history (total funds raised were in excess of $128 million) together with an addi-tional $30 million gift from Joseph (68) and Linda Chlapaty, we can begin to realize some of these goals.

The next specific projects to be funded include: academic chair endowments to sup-port academic chairs each in mathematics, in the sciences, and in the theological seminary and the construction of a fi ne and perform-ing arts, worship and campus center that will strengthen academic programs in fi ne and performing arts and create a place in which students and faculty can gather.

Set up a campus visit at (563) 589-3000 or www.dbq.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

Loras offers 10 sports, including volleyball, for women.


Despite a sluggish economy, AIB College of Business graduates continue to fi nd

success after graduation, a report released by the college shows.

The most recent AIB graduate report shows that more than 98 percent of AIB grads are employed and/or continuing their education for organizations in Iowa.

The report is compiled by AIB’s Career Services Department. Each year, the staff surveys grad-

uates to determine their status in regard to employment and/or education. Graduates were sur-veyed at the completion of their education and again in mid-fall.

Among other highlights of the report:

89.8 percent of AIB gradu-ates who continued their educa-tion made AIB their college of choice.

73.9 percent of AIB graduates remain the Des Moines metro

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area.AIB graduates are employed

by various organizations, but the divisions of Wells Fargo employ the most graduates with 33.

Meanwhile, AIB still is off er-ing a tuition freeze program for students who enroll full time and complete their academic pro-grams. In addition, full-time stu-dents can earn their bachelor’s degrees in accounting or business administration in just three years — not four or fi ve — as part of the Degree in 3 option. These two options result in savings for the students.

The AIB Degree in 3 program is a combination of the two-year associate and one-year bache-lor’s degree. Graduate with two degrees in three years.

Bachelor’s degrees can be earned in accounting, business adminis-tration, court reporting, and steno

■captioning (closed captioning).

AIB also off ers online bachelor’s degrees in accounting and busi-ness administration. Earn a bach-elor’s degree with the convenience and fl exibility of an online pro-gram. AIB makes it easier to con-tinue on with your life and career while you earn your degree.

AIB off ers associate of applied science degree programs in accounting, business adminis-tration, general studies, insur-ance services, sports and event management, transcription ser-vices, travel and hospitality man-agement and voice captioning. Business administration degrees include the areas of leadership, fi nancial services and sales and marketing.

For information on special-ized areas within these majors as well as course information, visit the “Major’s” page at www.aib.

edu. AIB’s business-focused pro-grams provide graduates with the education they need to be mar-ketable in today’s competitive job market.

AIB features four terms per year, off ering day, evening and online degrees to students.

AIB is an independent, non-profi t, coeducational college of business. Founded in 1921, AIB has a high reputation for its busi-ness education and graduate employment placement. The col-lege has an enrollment of nearly 1,000 day, evening and online students. The campus features 17 buildings on more than 20 acres near downtown Des Moines.

For more information, visit www.aib.edu, call the Admis-sions Offi ce at (515) 244-4221 or (800) 444-1921, e-mail [email protected] or text “AIB” to 68632.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Luther College Off ers dialogue with world-famous experts.

Luther College students who are leaders of the college’s sustainabil-

ity program met Feb. 23 with Michael Pollan, journalist and author of the best-selling books “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto” and “The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natu-ral History of Four Meals.”

Pollan visited the Luther campus in Decorah to speak about his view that the nation needs to reform its method of food production and process-ing to make agriculture more sustainable and to make the food we eat more healthful.

Six students from the Luther sustainability program joined Pollan for dinner before his evening lecture, “In Defense of Food.” Pollan is the latest in the series of internationally known leaders in justice and ethics

issues who have presented the annual Farwell Distinguished Lecture at Luther.

Emily Odland, a senior majoring in environmen-tal studies from Apple Valley, Minn., introduced Pollan at his presentation to an audience of about 1,400 people in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus.

Megan Creasey, a junior Eng-lish major from Cedar Falls, and a reporter for the Luther stu-dent newspaper, interviewed Pollan at a press conference with six other reporters from regional and national media, including Iowa Public Televi-sion’s production team for the “Market to Market” syndicated program.

Pollan told students they have the power through their food purchase choices, their

infl uence on the college’s food service operations and political actions and communications to transform the nation’s system of food production, process-ing and distribution that has become industrial, rather than agricultural. The result of the industrial production and mass marketing of processed foods is what he calls “processed food-like substances.”

Pollan’s appearance at Luther was in conjunction with

the college’s sustainability initiative.

In October, Luther was recog-nized as one of the nation’s top 26 colleges and universities in sustainability initiatives on the College Sustainability Report Card issued by the Sustainable Endowments Institute.

Luther’s sustainability ini-tiatives address many of the issues Pollan has reported for more than 20 years in his books and articles about the places

where the human and natural worlds intersect: food, agri-culture, gardens, drugs and architecture.

Pollan is the John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Journal-ism at the University of Califor-nia-Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and the director of the Knight Program in Sci-ence and Environmental Jour-nalism. In addition to teach-ing, he lectures widely on food, agriculture and gardening.

COURTESY PHOTO

Luther College sustainability program leaders meet with author Michael Pollan during his visit to campus.

AIB College of Business Boasts a 98 percent placement rate in jobs and graduate education.

THE COURIER PAGE 17SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010 www.wcfcourier.com COLLEGE GUIDE

Ellsworth Community College Has vibrant agriculture, animal science programs.

Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls has a national reputation for

its strong agriculture and ani-mal science programs. What justifi es that reputation? The facts speak for themselves:

The college just opened a state-of-the-art Agriculture & Renewable Energy Center. It includes a biotechnology class-room, two incubator labs, ag classrooms, a large animal lab, an indoor arena, a computer lab and commons area.

ECC will soon open the Ells-worth Equestrian Center. The 75,100-square-foot facility features 155 stalls, a 100-by-275-foot indoor show arena (with seating for up to 500), warm-up arena, outdoor arena, vendor areas and much more.

Ellsworth’s agricultural sci-ence club promotes leadership

■

■

■

and hands-on achievement. Members attend conferences and regional/national events, including the National Western Livestock Show in Colorado.

Ellsworth’s ag students get hands-on experience with paid internships as part of their degree program requirements. That’s a real advantage on a resume.

Ellsworth’s equestrian pro-gram is ranked as the second best in the country by Hors-eSchools.com.

Want more evidence that an Ellsworth education is second to none?

ECC was named the 17th Best Community College in the nation by the Washington Monthly magazine, based on the Community College Survey of Student Engagement scores and ECC graduation rates.

■

■

ECC offers agribusiness, agriculture, animal science, farm management, equine and swine management degree programs in several one-year and two-year options.

And ECC has the highest stu-dent success rate (graduation rate and transfer rate) of any com-

munity college in Iowa, accord-ing to the Iowa Department of Education.

For more information, e-mail the Ellsworth Admissions Offi ce at [email protected].

COURTESY PHOTOS

Ellsworth’s Ag Science Club promotes leadership.


Clarke College is one of America’s

“Best College Buys”*

* according to a recent ranking by the Center for College Affordability and Productivitywww.clarke.edu

College should be about having

LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES at an OUTSTANDING VALUE.

That’s what you get when you

Experience College. By Clarke.

COLLEGE GUIDE

La'James International College Off ers courses in cosmetology, massage therapy and esthetics.

La’James International College has been edu-cating for more than 75

years and has seven NACCAS-accredited locations in Cedar Falls, Iowa City, Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, East Moline, Ill., and Fremont, Neb.

LJIC is an industry leader in concept, appearance and the ability to fulfi ll our mission to enroll, educate, graduate and place the most competent and successful salon and spa professionals.

LJIC is the fi rst in the nation to have a fully accredited distance education program for cosme-tology theory. The program will allow students to begin their cosmetology theory training online — either simultaneously while attending classes at one of the LJIC campuses or prior to the start of their practical train-ing in cosmetology. “Essen-tials of Cosmetology Theory” is a part of the degree-granting

track off ered through LJIC; stu-dents can earn credit in cosme-tology while completing cours-es toward health and beauty management and be guaranteed credit acceptance into a bache-lor’s degree program at a select group of colleges/universities.

You can earn a health and beauty management associ-ate degree at LJIC. An exclu-sive articulation with La’James International College and ICCC makes this opportunity avail-able. Take 18 additional college credits while you are complet-ing your cosmetology or esthet-ics/massage training. You can earn your AAS degree and cos-metology or massage/esthetics license in about one year.

LJIC has many distinctively diff erent opportunities includ-ing training from top educa-tors, a one-time investment for professional tools to train with and free lifetime continuing education for LJIC graduates.

Our lavishly furnished Tuscany Day Spa consists of private treat-ment rooms under a fi ber-optic star fi eld and will prepare you for any direction you would like to go in the beauty industry upon graduation.

LJIC students also have the opportunity to take annual trips to New York, Chicago and San Francisco, as well as an annual trip abroad. This year, 30 students enjoyed nine days of education, unique dining venues and tours

through some of the world’s most famous locations in Spain.

Housing accommodations are available at our Fort Dodge and Fremont campuses.

Call (800) 982-9535 or visit www.lajamesinternational.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

La’James International College is considered an industry leader in preparing students to be the most competent and successful salon and spa professionals.


www.nwciowa.edu • 1-800-747-4757 • [email protected]

Watch “Real. Northwestern.” on YouTube.

At Northwestern, you’ll get an award-winning education—in an environment that supports your Christian faith.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Only 14 U.S. colleges and universities had teams selected to compete

in both the 2009 and 2010 Association for Computing Machinery International Col-legiate Programming Contests. There’s MIT, Duke, Stanford — and Northwestern College in Orange City.

In 2009, a team of three Northwestern College students was among 100 teams from six continents at the world fi nals in Stockholm, Sweden. In Feb-ruary, another Northwestern team, including two members of last year’s squad, competed in Harbin, China.

The Northwestern teams qualifi ed after strong perfor-mances in regional competi-tions. Seven thousand teams from more than 1,800 colleges in 88 countries participate at

the regional level.“It’s a fun experience,” says

John Calsbeek, a senior com-puter science major from Orange City. “It’s really inter-esting being in a huge room with around 300 other peo-ple who love programming as much as we do, hearing 50 to 60 diff erent languages.”

For details about Northwest-ern or to fi nd out about visit-ing the campus, call (800) 747-4757 or visit nwciowa.edu.

Northwestern College students, from left, Curt Van Wyk, Mark Haselhoff and John Calsbeek competed in the Association

for Computing Machinery International Collegiate

Programming Contest fi nals in Harbin, China, in February.

COURTESY PHOTO

Northwestern College Students vie in competitions from Sweden to China.

Grads: Know what you love

The Associated Press

So you’ve got the diploma. Now what?

That’s the number one ques-tion that graduates will ask themselves, says Ariane de Bonvoisin, author of “The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Life Change (and Loving Your Life More).” (HarperCollins, $24.95)

De Bonvoisin, who also runs fi rst30days.com, says recent grads need to fi nd their passion and put it to work as they take their next steps.

“In the fi rst 30 days, I think pressure — peer pressure, fam-ily pressure — show up. To me, the fi rst 30 days is a launching pad for making good decisions, getting the right information and certainly being inspired.”


ternity or sorority.Participate in Central’s highly

established study abroad pro-gram. Go for a semester, a year or a summer to one of eight sites: Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands, Wales, England, Austria, China or France. A new summer site in Ghana, Africa, is starting this summer. Line up an internship for a semester in either Chicago or Washington, D.C.

Central helps develop the whole individual. Service isn’t only part of the curriculum, it’s a part of everyday life. More than 87 per-cent of students sign up for either a service-learning academic experience or a community ser-vice volunteer opportunity before graduating.

Central College has one of the most beautiful campuses you’ll fi nd and one that specializes in caring for our world’s pre-cious resources. Environmental stewardship is one of Central’s strengths, and our students embrace environmental eff orts by participating in monitoring their energy usage, recycling and tend-ing the campus garden. A new

global sustainability component has been added to the core cur-riculum to help connect students to their environment locally.

When you graduate from Cen-tral, you’ll leave with more than just a degree. Your liberal arts education from Central College will take you where you want to go — farther than you ever dreamed. Central graduates work around the world, study at top gradu-ate schools and team up along-

side other alumni professionals all across the country. Ninety-seven percent of Central gradu-ates are employed in the fi eld of their choice or have enrolled in graduate school within one year after graduation.

Central’s size and individual attention makes learning chal-lenging and prepares students for life after college. Call (877) 462-3687 or visit www.central.edu for more information.

Central College is a four-year, residential, lib-eral arts college in Pella

affi liated with the Reformed Church in America. Go farther than you ever imagined in your journey at Central!

Not sure of your major? Central has options for you to explore. Central off ers 38 majors, including its newest majors, actuarial science and athletic training. The school also has preprofessional pro-grams and advising. Average class size is 20, with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1. Nearly 90 percent of full-time faculty have a doctorate or other termi-nal degree in their fi eld. Faculty

at Central are your partners in learning.

Aff ording Central College is a reality. Scholarships and grants are available, and more than 98 percent of students receive fi nancial aid. All new students who sought fi nancial assistance received some type of aid.

There’s something for every-one with more than 80 clubs and organizations on campus. Be a part of a team: Central off ers 19 varsity athletics pro-grams and is affi liated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III ath-letics. Star in a theater perfor-mance or music concert. Run for student senate or join a fra-

Call 1-866-IA-LAKESor visit www.iowalakes.edu

Algona • Emmetsburg • Estherville • Spencer • Spirit Lake

Robert BradyConstruction Tech

“At Iowa Lakes Community College, the small class sizes give you the one-on-one experience you need.

“OPPORTUNITY IS

I O WA L A K E S C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

At Iowa Lakes, we have something for everyone, including Construction Technology and over 100 other motivating careers.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Central College An unforgettable experience.

COURTESY PHOTO

Central College offers 38 majors and has preprofessional programs and advising, as well as smaller class sizes.



Home-style roast beef, carved roast turkey and mac ’n’ cheese.

These may not sound like typical dorm foods, but they topped the list of most popu-lar cafeteria items in the Mid-

west, according to Sodexo, which provides food service at 600 campuses across the country.

The Sodexo survey found that students want comfort foods, said Sodexo spokes-woman Monica Zimmer.

Top 10 national college foods

1. Apricot-glazed turkey2. Meatloaf with frizzle-fried onions

3. Vietnamese pho4. Vegetarian lentil shepherd’s pie5. Chicken adobo

6. Stuffed pork chops7. Vegetarian jambalaya8. Lemon herbed baked tilapia

9. Rotisserie chicken10. Home-style pot roastSource: Sodexo

You want college to be an engaging experience and the best years of your life. At Waldorf, that’s exactly what we offer – a small college with big opportunities. Something new is in store for you every day at Waldorf. Discover new abilities by being involved in activities you enjoyed in high school or ones you always wanted to try.

Experience Waldorf• Residential & Hybrid Online

Programs• Dedicated Faculty & Staff• Small Classes with Hands-On

Learning Opportunities• Athletic Teams• Fine Arts Programs

Degree Programs• Business• Communications• Biology• Education

• Music• History• Psychology• And Many More!

Forest City, IA

Affordability

Community

Opportunity

10AU084

College students may crave comfort foods

COLLEGE GUIDE


Since 1985, working adult learners seeking a bachelor’s degree have

found Upper Iowa University’s Waterloo Center to be the per-fect fi t.

Most students are in class just two nights a week, leaving time for studying and activi-ties at home. This acceler-ated method fi ts the busy lifestyle of the adult student and provides the opportunity for steady progress toward a degree. With generous trans-fer policies and fi nancial aid programs for those who quali-fy (and most do), students can

earn their degree quickly and conveniently.

Each classroom is equipped with a computer, DVD, VCR, full-room sound and a ceil-ing-mounted bright LCD pro-jector. The instructor can pro-duce dynamic class sessions that take advantage of the full range of resources available on the Internet.

New technology and re-designed curricula allow Upper Iowa University to off er hybrid courses (part face-to-face and part online in a vir-tual classroom). This provides time, fl exibility and opportu-

nities for learners and instruc-tors with optimum benefi ts from each delivery method.

Another technology change in the Waterloo Center is the installation of a private video conferencing network to allow students to participate from three diff erent Upper Iowa University locations.

Alumni of Upper Iowa include the founder of the YMCA, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, the founder of Target Stores and many more. Upper Iowa University also is accred-ited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. NCA is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting association.

UIU Waterloo features many majors providing students with opportunities in excit-ing and rewarding careers. The top majors at the Waterloo Center are elementary educa-tion, business administration,

management, human resource management, accounting, psychology and social service. The teacher education pro-gram at Waterloo continues to grow and prosper.

Practicing teachers can obtain their reading endorse-ment during the summer months and the Strategist II DK/LD K-12 endorsement is now available.

Upper Iowa University is Iowa’s largest private univer-sity with more than 6,000 students worldwide and more than 21,000 alumni all over the world.

It reaches beyond a residen-tial campus with 16 domes-tic university centers in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas and Louisiana, fi ve interna-tional centers, an online learn-ing division and independent study programs.

For more information, call (319) 232-6980, e-mail [email protected] or visit uiu.edu/waterloo.

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

AIB College Of Business 2500 Fleur Dr. • Des Moines, IA 50321 Admission: 515-244-4221 or 800-444-1921 Website: www.aib.edu

Ashford University 400 North Bluff Blvd. • Clinton, Iowa 52732 Admission: 866-711-1700 Website: www.ashford.edu

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

Clarke College 1550 Clarke Dr. • Dubuque, IA 52001 Admission: 800-383-2345 Website: www.clarke.edu

Coe College 1220 First Ave. NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Admission: 319-399-8500 • Website: www.coe.edu

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

Emmaus Bible College 2570 Asbury Rd. • Dubuque, IA 52001 Admission: 800-397-BIBLE Website: www.emmaus.edu

Grand View University 1200 Grand View Ave. • Des Moines, IA 50316 Admission: 800-444-6083 or 515-263-6010 Website: www.grandview.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

Indian Hills Community College 525 Grandview Ave. • Ottumwa/Centerville Admission: 800-726-2585 Website: www.indianhills.edu

Iowa Central Community College One Triton Circle • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Admission: 800-362-2793 Website: www.iowacentral.com

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

Kaplan University 7009 Nordic Drive • Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Admission: 319-277-0220 or 800-845-2307 Website: www.choosekaplanu.com

La James International College 6322 University Ave. • Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Admission: 319-277-2150 or 888-880-2104 Website: www.lajamesinternational.com

Loras College 1450 Alta Vista St. • Dubuque, IA 52001 Admission: 800-245-6727 • Website: www.loras.edu

Luther College 700 College Dr. • Decorah, IA 52101 Admission: 800-458-8437 • Website: www.luther.edu

Northeast Iowa Community College PO Box 400 • Calmar, IA 52132 10250 Sundown Rd.• Peosta, IA 52068 Admission: (Calmar) 800-728-2256 Admission: (Peosta) 800-728-7367 Website: www.nicc.edu

Northwestern College 101 7th St. SW • Orange City, IA 51041 Admission: 800-747-4757 Website: www.nwciowa.edu

University of Dubuque 2000 University Ave. • Dubuque, IA 52001 Admission: 563-589-3000 or 800-722-5583 Website: www.dbq.edu

University of Northern Iowa002 Gilchrist Hall UNI • Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018

Admission: 319-273-2281 or 800-772-2037 Website: www.uni.edu

University of Iowa 107 Calvin Hall • Iowa City, Iowa Admission: 319-335-3847 or 800-553-IOWA Website: www.uiowa.edu

Upper Iowa University - Cedar Rapids 700 Bell Dr. • Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Admission: 319-848-8488 Website: www.uiu.edu

Upper Iowa University - Fayette Campus 605 Washington Street, PO Box 1859 • Fayette, IA Admission: 800-553-4150 ext. 2 Website: www.uiu.edu/chooseuiu

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

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

Wartburg College100 Wartburg Blvd.

P.O. Box 1003 • Waverly, IA 50677-0903 Admission: 800-772-2085 Website: www.wartburg.edu or [email protected]

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: High School: Year of Graduation: Phone Number: Email:

To request more information, check the desired box (es) and mail form or go

online to www.wcfcourier.com

ATTN: SHEILA KERNS • P.O. Box 540 Waterloo, IA 50704 | [email protected]

2010 SPRING college planning guide | 2010 SPRING college planning guide | 2010 SPRING college planning guide

COLLEGE GUIDE

Upper Iowa Off ers accelerated progress for adult students

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO


Kaplan University has built a reputation of preparing students for

success in their chosen fi elds. Through career-focused degree programs, their experi-enced instructors teach techni-cal skills and inside knowledge that isn’t readily found in most textbooks. With this training and experience, Kaplan Uni-versity students could have a better chance of standing out in the competitive job market.

At Kaplan University, stu-dents could discover their potential and learn how to make the most of it. The cur-

riculum is specifi cally geared toward guiding students in their pursuit of a rewarding and successful career. Kaplan University strives to help stu-dents reach their goals by off ering quality programs that integrate general education, professional skills and career-focused training.

Kaplan University’s pro-grams are designed to pro-vide students with knowledge and skills for the professional world, not just for the class-room. Employers are increas-ingly hiring candidates with experience, training and a for-

mal education, and an educa-tion from Kaplan University fi ts all three categories.

Kaplan University under-stands its students’ needs for options when it comes to school. They off er classes both day and night and even online, giving students the fl exibility needed to balance their lives with their education.

At the Cedar Falls campus, students are more than just a number. Unlike many schools, Kaplan University limits their class sizes to give students more personal attention. Each student is valued as an indi-vidual and given every oppor-tunity to grow and learn in an educational environment. All of Kaplan University’s instruc-tors have professional experi-ence and can off er students inside knowledge. At Kaplan University, they teach with the future in mind.

Kaplan University in Cedar Falls off ers associate, bache-lor’s and master’s degrees in

a wide variety of programs in some of the most in-demand fi elds today: medical programs, including medical assisting and practical nursing; infor-mation technology, including computer systems technician; business, including accounting and offi ce management; and legal, including paralegal and criminal justice.

Kaplan University also proudly off ers advanced start Bachelor of Science programs for students who have already earned an associate degree.

With their varied program off erings taught by knowl-edgeable and experience instructors, career assistance for graduates and fi nancial aid for those qualify, Kaplan Uni-versity gives you the education you need to succeed.

Give Kaplan University a call at (800) 983-8644 to speak to a member of their friend-ly admissions staff , or go to cedarfalls.kaplanuniversity.edu.

YOU ARE UIU

IF YOU WANT

WWW.UIU.EDU

MORE

COLLEGE GUIDE

Kaplan University Students stand out in competitive job market

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO


Iowa Lakes Community CollegeExperience built on quality.

By JULIE HARRIS

First-year student

I am a native of Battle Creek, Mich., (population 150,000) and had lived there for 30

years. Due to the economic downturn, I knew it was time to move.

So, I ventured off to Emmets-burg, where the population is only about 4,000 people. One could only imagine the culture shock I had .

The core of this little town seemed so familiar to me because of my upbringing and that made the transition easy to feel “at home.”

While getting acclimated with my surroundings I talked with people about Iowa Lakes Com-munity College and the reviews were outstanding. I was work-ing on my associate degree back home and knew I wanted to fi nish.

I decided to visit the cam-pus and gather information on what this college had to off er.

I knew my goal was to receive my associate degree and trans-fer to a university to major in marketing and minor in accounting. So, I got started in May 2009.

This is one of my biggest chal-lenges in life.

Paying for college is not going to be easy. I always think about what education can do for me and my family, and this gives me the driving force I need to succeed.

I feel this is the right decision. The one thing no one can ever take from us is our knowledge.

So in the end, sometimes life presents itself with only one choice at a time. The choice I have right now is to educate myself; so in turn, I can help others with their success.

And my choice for success is Iowa Lakes.

For more information, call (866) 425-2537 or visit www.iowalakes.edu.

At Clarke College in Dubuque we believe you will fi nd a college

experience that’s diff erent.The Clarke experience

is built on quality, which is why we’ve long been known for superb teaching and aca-demics. The relationships you form with your faculty mem-bers at Clarke go much deeper than a simple “hello” in the hallway.

Instead, the interactions you have will empower you to do things you never thought possible.

Your faculty members will be mentors and advisers who will impact your success as you work hand-in-hand with them — that’s what a stu-dent-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 means at Clarke.

This preparation is why Clarke was named to the fourth highest spot in the Midwestern category of “competitive” schools in a recent report by the American Enterprise Institute.

Clarke students have access to opportunities throughout the country and across the world.

Take the nursing and physi-cal therapy students, who regularly complete clinical rotations at places like Mayo Clinic, or students in the edu-cation department who travel to Ecuador to experience what it’s like to teach in another country.

But you don’t have to go across the country to have amazing learning experiences.

Dubuque is at the center of the global marketplace. Attending Clarke will give you opportunities to work with leading employers like IBM, John Deere and McKesson.

Clarke is a small college of about 1,100 students — and has big opportunities for students.

You’ll have the chance to be involved in extracurricu-lar activities, varying from academic clubs to intramu-ral sports. Plus, Clarke is host to a variety of cultural events, including art exhibits, drama productions and music performances.

This year, national addiction specialist Drew Pinsky and Celtic sensation Gaelic Storm are just two examples of who will be on campus.

In athletics, the Clarke Cru-saders strive for excellence, in and out of competition. Our 14 varsity teams continue to jump the ranks of the Mid-west Collegiate Conference, and next year Clarke will add the Tri-State’s fi rst and only intercollegiate bowling team. Part of the National Associa-tion of Intercollegiate Ath-letics, varsity teams support the “Champions of Charac-ter” initiative, promoting sportsmanship and character development.

As an NAIA school, students are eligible to receive athletic talent awards for participa-tion in varsity athletics.

Clarke is a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences college. That means in addition to work in your major coursework, you’ll develop a broader perspective of the world through addi-tional courses in a variety of disciplines.

You’ll develop critical-thinking and problem-solv-ing skills, as well as an appre-ciation for the global society, skills that can make you more appealing to employers.

This year, in conjunction with being named one of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes, the Center for College Aff ordability and Productivity named Clarke one of “Ameri-ca’s Best College Buys,” fourth in the Midwest.

Visit www.clarke.edu to schedule a visit .

COLLEGE GUIDE

Clarke CollegeChoice for success.

COURTESY PHOTO

Iowa Lakes Community College offers students a chance to fi nd success.


Big possibilities await you at Waldorf College. Founded in 1903, Wal-

dorf in Forest City is a small, friendly, private, four-year, lib-eral arts school. Several popu-lar bachelor’s degree programs are available including business, communication, education and fi ne arts. Our liberal arts cur-riculum challenges students to think critically by engaging in imaginative, constructive and thought-provoking classroom discussions.

Small class sizes allow you to quickly become part of our inti-

mate community. Waldorf fac-ulty are here because they want to teach students like you. Pas-sionate professors and hands-on learning experiences help you choose a career as unique as you are.

“At Waldorf College students are not just receiving career training, they are developing as people and learning to serve the community,” said Suzi Falck-Yi, chair of the English depart-ment. “Students are nurtured to develop new ways of thinking.”

Students come from 25 states and 14 countries, representing

all types of nationalities, inter-ests and faith expressions. Our diversity enriches our educa-tional environment as we chal-lenge each other to explore and learn together.

With more than 35 clubs and organizations, Waldorf off ers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved. Per-sonalize your college experience by being involved in activities you enjoyed in high school or ones you’ve always wanted to try including:

Student-managed campus media (KZOW-FM, WAL-TV, The Lobbyist and Warrior).

Campus ministry and spe-cial interest groups.

Campus activities courtesy of Social Warriors Activities Team.

Live music (coff ee houses and bands).

Live acts (comedians, musi-cians, hypnotists).

Novelty acts (stress relief activities).

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Family and siblings weekend.

Free movies, cosmic bowling and dances.

Intramurals or NAIA athletics.

“Waldorf lets you fi gure out who you are and who you want to be,” says senior Eric Vill-hauer. “The smaller student body allowed me to reach goals

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early on, like starring in theater productions.”

Waldorf is committed to making our high-quality aca-demic experience accessible to all qualifi ed students, regard-less of income levels. While the fi nancial aid process may seem complex, the fi nancial aid offi ce is ready to assist in tailoring a fi nancial aid plan to meet your needs. Waldorf off ers one of the most aff ordable educations in Iowa and also has one of the lowest debt-upon-graduation rates in the state.

You want college to be an engaging learning experience and the best years of your life. At Waldorf, that’s exactly what we off er — a small college with big opportunities.

Receive a $500 scholarship just for visiting the Waldorf campus. Call the admissions department to schedule your visit today at (800) 292-1903 or visit www.waldorf.edu. Saturday tours are available.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Waldorf CollegeOpportunities abound for students at this friendly four-year liberal arts school.

“At Waldorf College students are not

just receiving career training, they are

developing as people and learning to serve

the community,” said Suzi Falck-Yi,

chair of the English department.


Darvel Givens didn’t realize that what he was looking for in a col-

lege education was in his own backyard.

“The University of Northern Iowa has one of the top busi-ness schools in the nation,” said the UNI freshman and Waterloo native.

While studying management in UNI’s College of Business Administration in Cedar Falls, Givens has found success in a challenging academic envi-ronment and social enrich-ment from living on campus.

“The support from all the faculty shows they care about every student enrolled. The various services that help you make it through the semester is another thing that surprised

me,” he said. “Maucker Union is my favorite hangout spot. You can do your homework at the same time that you can see people you haven’t seen in awhile. But I also love being in the dorms. Some of the funni-est moments happened in the residence halls.”

Givens’ UNI education is preparing him to give back to his community. He wants to open a nonprofi t to help those who are less fortunate. His plans include starting a 24-hour youth center in Waterloo. His advisers don’t hold back and that’s helping him prepare to fulfi ll that dream.

“It helps mold the competi-tiveness we will need in the real business world,” he said.

UNI was founded more than

130 years ago as a teaching school, but UNI students can now chose from 120 majors. From its academic programs and facilities to the size of the school, students say that UNI is just right. UNI students can expect an excellent faculty-to-student ratio, exceptional graduation rates, a winning Division I Panther athletics program, a vibrant campus life, 300 organizations and student activity groups and outstanding internship and job placement assistance.

Students also have access to one of America’s best college dining services, outstanding health and wellness facilities, a 100,000-square-foot per-forming arts complex, ven-ues for playing and watching sports, recording studios and more.

The campus is on 915 acres in Cedar Falls, but the 13,000 students’ experiences aren’t confi ned within its borders. Students learn to climb walls of ice on an ice-covered silo made by instructor of physi-cal education Don Briggs; they teach basic hygiene to Gypsies living on dumps in the Balkans on trips with UNI associate

professor of health promo-tion and education Catherine Zeman; they start successful businesses with guidance and

expertise from faculty, staff and community leaders; and UNI’s education majors spend more time in front of a class-room than any others in the state, whether student teach-ing in Iowa or half-way around the world.

Realize your potential at UNI. For more information or to schedule a campus visit, go to www.uni.edu or call 273-2281 or (800) 772-2037.

Loras students achieve academic excellence in more than 40 majors and pre-professional areas of study.

Duhawks are involved on campus, in the community and throughout the world:

• More than 55 campus clubs/ organizations • 21 varsity athletic teams • Countless service opportunities • Real-world experience through internships and study abroad

Check out our new video tour at www.loras.edu/admissionsto find out more!

+ Catholic | Liberal Arts | 800.245.6727 | www.loras.edu

Experiencedbe

COLLEGE GUIDE

University of Northern Iowa Find what’s right for you.

COURTESY PHOTO

“The support from all the faculty shows they

care about every student enrolled,” said UNI

freshman Darvel Givens.


Whether you know exactly what aca-demic path you

want to follow — or you’d like to explore a variety of fi elds — Grand View has programs that will open a window onto the world.

Grand View is a private uni-versity in Des Moines, founded in 1896 and affi liated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Grand View is home to 2,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an aver-age class size of 14. We off er bachelor’s degrees in 37 majors and provide a quality education at an aff ordable price, award-

ing fi nancial aid to 99 percent of full-time students.

With a population exceed-ing half a million, Des Moines is ideal for the internships at major corporations and organizations, including premier companies such as Meredith Corporation, Principal Financial and Wells Fargo, that can create a career network.

As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Midwest Col-legiate Conference, we off er eight sports for men and eight for women. Through more than 30 clubs, organizations, and ser-vice projects, leadership oppor-tunities abound.

COLLEGE GUIDE

Grand View University Sets students on right academic, career path.

COURTESY PHOTO

Grand View University offers eights sports for men, including wrestling, and eight sports for women.


www.uni.edu • 800-772-2037

Darvelbusiness administration majorWaterloo, Iowa

UNIWhile at UNI, Darvel has found success in a challenging academic environment and social enrichment from living on campus. His UNI education is preparing him to give back to his community. Upon graduating, Darvel wants to open a nonprofit agency to help those who are less fortunate and plans to start a 24-hour youth center in Waterloo.

“The support given from UNI faculty shows they care about me and every student. Various student services have helped me make it through my semesters and my academic advisers haven’t held back in challenging me; they’re all helping me fulfill my dream.”

Hands-on experience, access to professors and opportunities both in and outside of the classroom bring focus to your education. From academic programs and facilities to the size of the school, students like Darvel say UNI is helping them realize their full potential.

Come to UNI and realize your potential.

Schedule a campus visit today atwww.uni.edu/admissions/visit/

Cedar Falls, Iowa

COLLEGE GUIDE

Connect to College

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