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Higher Education

Business and educators in North Iowa work together closely to ensure our students are well-prepared for the workforce. Mason City is home to North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), which serves a nine-county region in North Iowa. In addition to the more traditional degree programs, NIACC boasts many excellent continuing education and training courses, which are heavily utilized by industries throughout North Iowa.

Much of this training is housed at NIACC’s Murphy Manufacturing Technology Center. Designed by industry and education leaders, this Center is positioned to provide North Iowa’s manufacturing community with an elite technical workforce.

A current initiative is underway to ensure all Mason City and Clear Lake students have access to the National Career Readiness Certificate program assessments, prior to high school graduation. North Iowa has set a goal to be the first work-ready certified region in the state.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC)
Located on the NIACC campus, the JPEC helps to spur economic growth by providing programs, services and resources for aspiring and existing business owners. Programs include business start-up and expansion services, technical assistance, access to capital, creating entrepreneurial communities and regions, and entrepreneurial education.

Buena Vista University
Buena Vista, based in Storm Lake, operates a satellite campus at NIACC. They offer a professional and online studies program with 19 majors and secondary education endorsements in a variety of flexible formats.

Kaplan University
Kaplan offers degree and certificate programs in fields such as health, arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, information technology and legal occupations at its Mason City campus.

LaJames College of Cosmetology-Mason City
Students at LaJames earn diplomas in cosmetology, nail technology, and massage therapy.

World Wide College of Auctioneering
Mason City’s auction college (which ranks first in educating world-class auctioneers) trains students in developing the auction chant, bookings, laws and licenses, appraisals, advertising, personal image and many other aspects of the auctioneering industry.

In addition to these educational opportunities, Mason City and Clear Lake are only a short distance to many other colleges and universities, several of which have local course offerings.