College & Education in Iowa

15 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

15 Resources

1. Iowa College Student Aid Commission — Free

State agency administering financial aid, scholarships, and college planning resources for Iowa students and families. Fathers going back to school or helping teens apply can access tools for the FAFSA, Iowa-specific grants, and workforce training scholarships. Bring tax returns, Social Security numbers, and school acceptance info when applying. Free public service. Office on SW 5th Street in Des Moines serves all 99 Iowa counties.

877-272-4456 · 475 SW 5th St #3, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Des Moines Area Community College — Paid

DMACC is the largest community college in Iowa with multiple campuses across central Iowa offering career and transfer programs, apprenticeships, high school equivalency prep, and continuing education. Fathers can apply online with transcripts and financial aid documents. Tuition is among the most affordable in the state and scholarships are widely available. Ankeny is the main campus; additional locations include Des Moines, Newton, and Boone.

515-964-6200 · 2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Kirkwood Community College – Cedar Rapids — Paid

Affordable community college in Cedar Rapids offering two-year degrees, career and technical programs, apprenticeships, and transfer pathways to four-year schools across eastern Iowa. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and financial aid paperwork. Tuition is well below four-year options and scholarships are available. Main campus on Kirkwood Boulevard SW with satellite centers in Iowa City, Washington, and other nearby towns.

319-398-5411 · 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway for federal Pell Grants, subsidized loans, work-study, and most Iowa state aid. Fathers can complete the FAFSA online for themselves or their college-bound children. Needed items include Social Security numbers, tax returns, and asset information. No cost to apply and the form is available 24/7. Must be renewed each academic year for ongoing aid. Customer service line available weekdays.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

5. Hawkeye Community College – Waterloo — Paid

Community college in Waterloo offering affordable two-year degrees, certificates, apprenticeships, and transfer programs in northeast Iowa. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and FAFSA documentation. Tuition is among the most affordable in the region and many scholarships are available. Main campus on East Orange Road with additional centers in Cedar Falls and Independence serving Black Hawk and surrounding counties.

319-296-2320 · 1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Scott Community College – Quad Cities — Paid

Part of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Scott offers career, technical, and transfer programs at the Bettendorf and Davenport campuses. Fathers can apply online with transcripts and FAFSA paperwork and choose from health, trades, business, and liberal arts tracks. Affordable tuition and many scholarships. Also offers high school equivalency prep and workforce training. Main campus on Belmont Road in Bettendorf serves the Iowa-side Quad Cities.

563-441-4001 · 500 Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA 52722 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Western Iowa Tech Community College — Paid

Community college in Sioux City offering career and transfer programs including health, trades, business, and liberal arts along with workforce training and adult education. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and financial aid documents. Tuition is affordable and scholarships are available. Main campus on Stone Avenue with satellite locations in Cherokee, Denison, and other western Iowa towns. Serves Woodbury and surrounding counties.

712-274-6400 · 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Iowa Western Community College — Paid

Affordable two-year college serving Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa with career, technical, and transfer programs plus workforce training. Fathers can apply online with transcripts and financial aid paperwork. Tuition is affordable and many scholarships are available. Also offers residence halls, athletics, and fine arts. Main campus on College Road in Council Bluffs with satellite locations in Harlan, Atlantic, and Clarinda across the region.

712-325-3200 · 2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Northeast Iowa Community College — Paid

Two-year college serving northeast Iowa communities with career, technical, and transfer programs, apprenticeships, and adult education. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and FAFSA paperwork. Tuition is affordable and scholarships are available through the NICC Foundation. Main campus in Calmar with additional centers in Peosta, Waukon, Cresco, and Dubuque serving Allamakee, Clayton, and nearby counties along the Mississippi.

563-562-3263 · 1625 Hwy 150 S, Calmar, IA 52132 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Iowa Central Community College – Fort Dodge — Paid

Community college in Fort Dodge offering career, technical, and transfer programs, apprenticeships, and workforce training for north central Iowa. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and FAFSA paperwork. Tuition is affordable and scholarships are widely available. Main campus at One Triton Circle with satellite centers in Storm Lake, Webster City, and elsewhere serving Webster, Calhoun, and neighboring counties.

515-576-7201 · One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Southeastern Community College – Burlington — Paid

Affordable community college in West Burlington serving southeast Iowa with career and technical programs, transfer pathways, and adult education. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and financial aid paperwork. Tuition is among the most affordable in Iowa and scholarships are available through the SCC Foundation. Main campus on West Agency Road with a Keokuk satellite serving Des Moines and Lee counties in southeast Iowa.

319-752-2731 · 1500 W Agency Rd, West Burlington, IA 52655 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Indian Hills Community College – Ottumwa — Paid

Community college in Ottumwa offering career, technical, and transfer programs along with workforce training for south central Iowa. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and FAFSA paperwork. Tuition is affordable and scholarships are available. Main campus on Grandview Avenue with a Centerville satellite; serves Wapello, Appanoose, and neighboring counties. Also offers residence halls, athletics, and adult education programs.

641-683-5111 · 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Iowa State University – Continuing Education — Paid

ISU's Adult and Continuing Education unit offers professional development, certificate programs, online courses, and conferences for working adults across Iowa. Fathers advancing careers or changing fields can register for flexible schedules including evening and weekend options. Tuition varies by course with some employer reimbursement options. Financial aid available for degree-seeking students. Main campus in Ames with statewide online delivery.

515-294-6222 · Ames, IA 50011 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

14. University of Iowa – Continuing Education — Paid

University of Iowa's professional development and continuing education unit in Iowa City offering certificate programs, online courses, and workshops for working adults. Fathers changing careers or seeking credentials can register for flexible formats including fully online and hybrid schedules. Tuition varies by program with financial aid for degree-seeking students. Also offers conferences and noncredit enrichment courses across many disciplines.

319-335-2575 · Iowa City, IA 52242 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Marshalltown Community College — Paid

Community college in Marshalltown offering affordable career and transfer programs, workforce training, and adult education for central Iowa. Part of the Iowa Valley Community College District. Fathers returning to school can apply online with transcripts and FAFSA paperwork. Tuition is affordable and scholarships are available. Main campus on South Center Street serves Marshall, Tama, and neighboring counties with evening and online options.

641-752-7106 · 3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.