Applying for Admission

How to Apply

Complete an admission application and submit it online at www.kirkwood.edu/apply.

There is no application fee. Select one program area to receive more information about completing the admission process.

Some programs require a program conference. At the program conference, students meet with the program instructors to learn more about the expectations of the program. This is an important step because some programs fill quickly. Program advisors contact students with more information once applications are received.

Placement Assessment

All new degree-seeking students registering for more than 12 credit hours are required to take reading, writing and math assessments prior to registration. Appropriate course placement in either college or pre-college courses is determined by a variety of measures, including placement tests, high school GPA, previous academic experience, advising, and so on. Exemptions to this policy must be submitted at least two weeks prior to attending orientation. To be exempt a student must have:

  • Completed placement assessments at another college and sent the official record of scores to Kirkwood. Math scores are considered valid for two years while reading and writing scores are valid for three years.

  • Successfully completed (C or better) college-level math and writing classes are eligible for transfer credit.

  • Earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

Call the Test Center at 319-398-5456 for more information and to find a location closest to you.

Financial Aid

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after it is available. Start early – the financial aid process can take some time to complete. Go to http://www.fafsa.gov.

Scholarships

Kirkwood awards over $3 million in scholarships to students each year. Applications for first-round scholarships open October 1, and close March 15. Applications received after the deadline will be eligible for a limited amount of second-round funding opportunities and new scholarships developed after the March 15 deadline. Applications for second-round opportunities are due July 15. Apply at www.kirkwood.edu/scholarships.

Housing

Contact the Housing office at 319-398-7647 or www.kirkwood.edu/housing. Most area apartments are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Transcripts

Students who are transferring to Kirkwood, or returning students who attended another college after leaving Kirkwood, must provide Kirkwood with an official transcript from each college or university they attended in order to receive credit for those courses.

Admission to the College Does Not Guarantee Acceptance into All Programs

Generally, admission to programs is granted on a continuous basis as applicants complete the required admission procedures. Applicants can apply a year in advance of the term they plan to enter. They should apply as soon as they've determined their specific major/program or general Program Area as choosing one is required on the application. Applying early is recommended in order to get as much pre-enrollment assistance as needed. Applicants should be mindful of their specific program's required entry term as they do vary depending on program. Program entry terms can be found on the individual program pages of this catalog.

College Credit While in High School

High school students have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit through an agreement between the local high school district and Kirkwood Community College. With approval from the high school, students may enroll in individual classes or a sequence of classes called a Career Academy program at no cost to the student or family. Courses are available within the high school setting, at a Kirkwood location or online. Additional information can be found at www.kirkwood.edu/earncredit and high school students can apply at www.kirkwood.edu/hscreditapply.