College
How many years of college does it take to get an Associate's degree?
2
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free, annual form used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for federal, state, and college-funded financial aid for higher education
What is the most in demand career in Iowa right now?
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Currently over 4,800 job openings in the state for nurses
Easiest way to start saving money?
Savings Account! or better yet...a High Yield Savings account!
How many years of college does an Electrician need?
2 years - Associate Degree
How many years of college does it take to get a Bachelor's degree?
4
What is the average cost of a public in-state college education in the US? Including room and board and fees.
upwards of $25,000 per year
What career hosts the most job shadows in Iowa?
Healthcare - particularly nursing
What is a W-2 form?
Tax form employers generate detailing your yearly earnings
True or False: Your credit score drops when you pay off a loan
True
it can drop temporarily when you pay off a loan - closing an account reduces your credit variety
What is the most lucrative and hard to get into college major in Iowa?
Engineering (computer and electrical), data analysis, and computer science
competitive, rigorous course work, and hard acceptance rates - offer the highest starting salaries within three years of graduation
Can you apply for scholarships at Iowa Lakes even if you plan not to attend?
YES!
there are scholarships that travel with you no matter where you go - apply!
What is the difference between an internship and an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship - long term (often hours based), paid, and industry certified with hands on training for skilled trade professions, often includes RTI
Internship - shorter term (typically), flexible, often part-time, don't have to be paid, geared toward exploring or gaining career experience
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross - total pay
Net - total take home pay after deductions (taxes)
What is the average daycare cost in Iowa for 2026?
$1,035 to $1,058 a month...per child.
What college major has the most graduates in Iowa?
Business (management, marketing, and finance)
Do you have to accept your entire FAFSA award?
NO!
if your award is more than what your schooling is going to cost, you don't have to accept all of it!
What are the top skills employers look for in employees?
1. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
2. Communication
3. Adaptability
Soft Skills are key!
What is the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?
Traditional - taxed after you retire but you can deduct contributions each year you put into it - requires you to take money at age 73 and take a fixed percentage out each year which is taxed
How many years of college earns you a Master's Degree?
5-6 (depending on the length of your graduate program)
How many colleges and universities does the State of Iowa have?
52
What is the difference between a direct subsidized and direct unsubsidized loan?
Subsidized = need based, government pays interest while you're in school, grace periods, and deferment
Unsubsidized = non need based, interest accrues from the date of disbursement which you are responsible for paying
What percentage of Iowa's workers have training or education beyond high school?
61% of the labor force
1,743,800 people in the workforce in Iowa
1,063,718 of those people have training/education beyond high school
What are the three major credit reporting agencies?
Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
What are closing costs when you purchase or sell a home?
fees and expenses paid to finalize a real estate transaction, typically ranging from 2% to 6% of the home's purchase price. Buyers usually pay 2%–5% for loan/third-party fees, while sellers pay 5%–6% (often covering agent commissions). These costs include appraisal, title insurance, attorney fees, recording fees, and taxes.