
Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Network And Systems Administrators
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Des Moines Area Community College, Kirkwood Community College, Hawkeye Community College, and AIB.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider AIB, Iowa State, University of Iowa, and Northern Iowa.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Drake and Upper Iowa University.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Mount Mercy College, Saint Ambrose University, and Southeastern Community College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Drake, Dordt, Luther, and Loras.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Loras, Dordt, Central College, and Luther.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at University of Iowa, Iowa State, Luther, and Drake.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Loras, Luther, Mount Mercy College, and Dordt.
Spotlight Schools Search
Spotlight Iowa Schools Related to This Career
- Locations: West Des Moines
- Programs: 6 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Bachelor, Master
- Locations: Clive
- Programs: 19 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Bachelor
- Locations: Bettendorf
- Programs: 4 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Certificate
- Locations: Des Moines
- Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Diploma
- Locations: Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Mason City, Urbandale
- Programs: 4 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Master
Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career
- Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Bachelor
- Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Bachelor
- Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate
- Programs: 18 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Bachelor, Doctorate, Master
- Programs: 8 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Master
- Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Bachelor
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
Sort Reviews By:Kirkwood Community College • Cedar Rapids, IA
Studying Computer Support Specialist (completion in 2009)




• 6/24/2011
"It was fun, I met a lot of cool people. Most of all I learned what I needed to know."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It was a good school. I enjoyed the teachers for the most part. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | The school's reputation as a whole is very good. The program itself is like any computer program in that you can pretty much get a job anywhere if you put your heart to it. |
| Program Quality | 8 | I was able to obtain my degree quickly and efficiently. I also had a lot of fun doing it. |
| Instruction | 5 | Teachers could have held me more accountable for my actions. In school I got away with a lot of laziness and it would have been more beneficial to be held accountable. |
| How Difficult | 5 | I didn't have to do a lot of studying. Homework was mostly done at school itself. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | IT was a mix of hands on and book learning. A lot of book learning does get over the top, so they mix it up. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | I was able to move into a different class because of a life change that occurred. This helped me to be able to keep my job. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The school had everything I needed. It had very good trainers and a good scheduling system. |
| Social Life | 8 | I made a lot of good friends. I was able to socialize during lunch hours. |
| Placement Services | 3 | I had to job search myself. It was not that difficult to find a job, however. |
| Alumni Network | 6 | I haven't gone to any reunions. The support from the alumni was good and they did donate a lot of time to the school. |
Iowa State University • Ames, IA
Studying History (completion in 2003)




• 11/17/2011
"The school was not top-tier, but it was right for me. I have no regrets."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The reputation of the school is high. The opportunities are extensive. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | Some of the star professors in the field have left. The program's reputation remains intact due to uniqueness of offerings. |
| Program Quality | 8 | My university program provided the specialization I needed. The location was ideal for the topics I studied. |
| Instruction | 8 | I had access to experts in my field. The professors were responsive. |
| How Difficult | 8 | As a doctoral program goes, it wasn't the hardest but it was challenging. The program required dedication. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | My program required both. I was given ample opportunity to publish, which is the equivalent of hands-on in my field. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | I understand more classes were available, but I did not take classes in off-hours. Graduate programs are more restricted than normal. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | I loved the library and computer resources. They have improved since I left, of course. |
| Social Life | 8 | I was involved in sports, which was good. As a grad student, I avoided parties. |
| Placement Services | 1 | I received no assistance. The field was flooded. |
| Alumni Network | I have had no contact with my local alumni network. I have not tried, though. |










