Head-to-head · 2026
Marshalltown Community College vs Northwest Iowa Community College
Compare average net price ($8,059 at Marshalltown Community College; $14,800 at Northwest Iowa Community College), ROI score (12.72 vs 8.58), ten-year median earnings ($41,010 vs $50,776), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Marshalltown Community College; Open / not reported at Northwest Iowa Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Marshalltown Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Marshalltown Community College | Northwest Iowa Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.72 ✓ | 8.58 |
| Avg net price | $8,059 ✓ | $14,800 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,010 | $50,776 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 42.3% | 57.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,500 | $9,500 |
| Enrollment | 788 | 864 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Northwest Iowa Community College costs $6,741 more per year than Marshalltown Community College ($14,800 vs $8,059). Northwest Iowa Community College graduates report $9,766 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,776 vs $41,010). On EduGradify's model that puts Marshalltown Community College ahead on projected ROI (12.72 vs 8.58, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Marshalltown Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Marshalltown Community College vs Northwest Iowa Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Marshalltown Community College or Northwest Iowa Community College the better value?
Marshalltown Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.72 vs 8.58), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marshalltown Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,059 per year vs $14,800 at Northwest Iowa Community College. The annual difference of $6,741 adds up to about $26,964 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northwest Iowa Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,776 vs $41,010 at Marshalltown Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,766.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Marshalltown Community College reports a A value grade; Northwest Iowa Community College reports B.