Education
Quality public education is a reality in IOWA!
A nationally recognized education program, customized vocation and technical skill training programs available from an extensive community college network and world-class colleges and universities, provide a lifetime of learning opportunities necessary for a relevant workforce that delivers unsurpassed business productivity.
The very foundation of Iowa's thriving economy is its top educational institutions. A dedicated commitment to education contributes to its high school graduation rate —Iowa's graduation rate is among the top five in the country (CQ Press, 2010). Iowa consistently earns high marks among education experts including a top ten ranking for best education climate by Business Facilities Magazine. Iowa is also one of the smartest states in the nation with its students consistently outperforming their counterparts on national standardized tests.
Iowa colleges and universities rank high in several national rankings including the U.S. News & World Report 2010 College Rankings, Kiplinger Magazine's "Top 100 Public Universities for Value by Quality." Iowa’s renowned universities are involved in cutting edge research that is shaping tomorrow’s technologies. For example, the University of Iowa’s Virtual Soldier Research Program and Iowa State University’s Virtual Reality Applications Center are facilitating innovative applications that is spurring entrepreneurial development in a multitude of industry sectors.
Besides traditional undergraduate and graduate programs, Iowa colleges and universities offer job training, continuing education programs, and senior auditing options. Iowa has a statewide system of 15 community colleges that offer comprehensive educational programs in three major areas of instruction:
- Preparatory career programs of vocational and technical education for immediate employment in a wide variety of careers
- College parallel program providing arts and sciences courses that may be transferred to other colleges and universities
- Adult, part-time education
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