Education Partners

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Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) Program

CHAMPs partners help promote Iowa as an attractive place for veterans and their family who choose to pursue their higher education goals.

To Qualify: Any higher educational institution meeting at least three out of four criteria in each of the three sections shall be designated a CHAMPs institution. Each institution seeking recognition must document how the criteria in each category is met.

  • On-Campus Veteran Resources
    • Full time veterans’ services coordinator or veterans’ representative and office which may include either one FTE or one Graduate Assistant position dedicating at least 30 hours a week towards representation of student veterans
    • Veterans center/study space dedicated to veteran student population. This space must be physically fully accessible, ideally with access for veteran services or benefits
    • Veterans’ Services Support Group (made up of Veterans’ Representative, Advisors, Faculty, Staff) to address issues veterans face and encourage veterans clubs and meetings
    • Career placement assistance
  • Military Transitional Considerations 
    • Consistent credit honored for all of the established military training and schools (Joint Services Transcript, Community College of the Air Force credit, ACE recommended credit, CLEP, DSST)
    • Advanced/preferential registration dates for student veteran population
    • Offer veterans sections for new student orientation
    • College President Signature on Principles of Excellence laid out in Executive Order 13607
  • Financial Considerations
    • Automatic in-state tuition granted to eligible veterans, spouses and their children domiciled in Iowa
    • Deferred billing options to ensure timing of VA benefit payments does not hinder academic success
    • Deferred billing or options to assist student veterans in purchasing books, tools and supplies required for vocational programs
    • Specific scholarship for transitioning service members and/or their dependents

The full list of CHAMPs partners is below and at the bottom of the page is the CHAMPs application form. Please feel free to email Harrison Swift, Home Base Iowa Program Manager for State and Strategic Initiatives at Harrison.Swift@iwd.iowa.gov with any questions.

Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College,  a public institution that offers 168 programs, is the largest two-year college in Iowa. With campuses in Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Urban/Des Moines and West Des Moines, Des Moines Area Community College can accommodate the needs of many people seeking higher education.

  • For more information:
    • HBI CHAMPs Contact: Don Enright / 515-964-6278 / dlenright2@dmacc.edu 
    • Website: DMACC Veterans Page

Drake University

Drake University is recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest. A mid-sized, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer the benefits and resources of a larger institution along with the advantages of intimate class sizes and close personal relationships. Our mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges includes Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. Stretched along the banks of the Mississippi River, the district covers all of Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott Counties, as well as parts of Cedar and Louisa Counties. The mission of Eastern Iowa Community College is to deliver high-quality education and training that prepares a skilled workforce, provides affordable access to higher education and builds and strengthens our communities.

  • For more information:

Ellsworth Community College

Ellsworth Community College is part of the Iowa Valley Community College District. The beautiful campus is tucked into the charming riverside city of Iowa Falls. Our students and staff get the best of both worlds – a safe, small-town environment that’s close to the entertainment, recreation, and career opportunities of bigger cities.

ECC’s affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities keep your costs lower than you’ll find at private colleges and state universities. And with only about 1,000 students, you’ll develop close relationships with professors, staff, and other students.

There’s lots to do on campus. Attend lively athletic events, join intramural dodgeball or ping pong tournaments, get involved in Student Senate, and much more. It’s a great place to meet new people and form lasting friendships.

  • For more information:

Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College has several outlying centers in Cedar Falls, Independence, Grundy County, Waverly and Waterloo. Their main campus is located just outside of Waterloo, Iowa. The mission of Hawkeye Community College is a globally informed community of successful lifelong learners. As a college they will provide focus, meaning and the skills necessary for qualified individuals to live competently in their communities.

Indian Hills Community College

Indian Hills Community College, located in Ottumwa and Centerville, was founded in 1966 and its district spans 10 counties in southeast Iowa. Indian Hills seeks to change lives by inspiring learning, diversity, social enrichment and regional economic advancement. Students may choose from a wide variety of options including arts and sciences, advanced technology, health sciences or customized learning options. 

Iowa Central Community College

Located in Fort Dodge, Iowa with satellite campuses in Webster City and Storm Lake, Iowa Central Community College is a two year institution and is home to a little over 6,000 enrolled students. Iowa Central Community College provides quality educational opportunities in the classroom and outside of the classroom. For all they serve, Iowa Central Community College strives to be the premier learning community, and college of choice, preparing the best citizens and workers for our region and beyond.

Iowa Lakes Community College

Located in the Iowa Great Lakes Region, Iowa Lakes Community College offers courses in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake. Iowa Lakes offers a variety of academic and career training programs, including customized training specifically designed for area business and industry. It also supplies renewal licensure courses, Adult Basic Education, high school completion, high school diploma credit courses, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and short-term vocational training.

  • For more information:

Iowa State University

Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames is an international university with a friendly welcoming personality. Iowa State offers a great environment where students can enjoy reaching their potential and discovering their passions. ISU is also a public land-grant and space-grant research university.

  • For more information:
    • HBI CHAMPS Contact: For educational benefits contact Ron Sykora / 515-294-1842 / vacertofficials@iastate.edu.  For broader support contact the Veterans Center at 515.294.9801 / veteranscenter@iastate.edu.
    • Website: ISU Veterans Page

Iowa Western Community College

Iowa Western Community College, located in Council Bluffs, was founded in 1967 and offers more than 80 programs of study in both Career and Technical Education, and in Liberal Arts. Nestled on 250 beautiful acres in Iowa’s Loess Hills, the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers students the amenities and atmosphere of a larger institution combined with the comforts and quiet of a smaller campus setting. 

Kirkwood Community College

Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College identifies community needs; provides accessible, quality education and training; and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning. Kirkwood Community College is dedicated to helping veterans seek and achieve higher education.

Loras College

Relating the rich liberal arts tradition to a changing world, Loras College strives to develop active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision makers and responsible contributors in their diverse professional, social, and religious roles. Housed on a safe, scenic campus nestled high atop the majestic bluffs of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, Loras College offers a wide array of academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and opportunity for personal growth.

We would be proud to welcome you into our circle of loyal Duhawks who will forever call our Dubuque campus home. Dubuque has received many awards and has been proudly recognized locally and nationally.

  • For more information:
    • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Michael Friend / michael.friend@loras.edu / 563-588-7810
    • Website: Loras Veterans Page

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown Community College is a public community college in Marshalltown, Iowa. It is part of the Iowa Valley Community College Distict. The campus is located just to the south of Marshalltown along Highway 30. A second campus, Iowa Valley Grinnell, is located in Grinnel. MCC offers 55 degree/diploma options, has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and has an annual enrollment at about 2,000 students.

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is an institution of higher learning located in downtown Des Moines. Mercy is a Catholic institution that prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community by integrating its core values with a professional and liberal arts and sciences education.

Morningside College

Since 1894, we’ve been helping students become flexible, confident thinkers in an increasingly fast-paced world. And with our focus on cultivating a passion for lifelong learning, a dedication to ethical leadership and a desire for civic responsibility in each of our students. Morningside College has been ranked as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest every year over the past decade.

Unlike larger schools, you’re more than “just a face” at Morningside. Our campus is big enough to offer lots of opportunities, but small enough that you can actually make a difference. We're a campus that is friendly and full of positive energy, which makes it easy to find friends and fit in. This environment is the perfect place to learn and grow, and to forge the friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University is a four-year liberal arts University in Cedar Rapids. Mount Mercy is a Catholic University providing student-focused baccalaureate and graduate education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. As a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mount Mercy welcomes women and men of all beliefs to join them in their pursuit of baccalaureate and graduate education and service.

Northeast Iowa Community College

Northeast Iowa Community College, with campuses in Calmar and Peosta, is a student-driven, community-focused, higher education institution serving eight counties in northeast Iowa and surrounding areas. Offering more than 85 academic programs of study in addition to online and blended learning, customized business and industry training, short-term certification options and adult education and literacy, NICC is committed to affordable, high-quality education and training to ensure the growth and vitality of northeast Iowa.  

Northern Iowa Area Community College

Located in Mason City, Northern Iowa Area Community College strives enhance the quality of life for the people of North Iowa through comprehensive educational opportunities, progressive partnerships, exemplary service and responsive leadership. Northern Iowa Area Community College has received the designation of "Military Friend School" five years in a row from G.I. Jobs.

  • For more information:

Northwest Iowa Community College

Northwest Iowa Community College is a community college in Sheldon, Iowa. Northwest Iowa Community College was organized April 27, 1966. The college is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college is located on a 269-acre campus one mile west of Sheldon. Northwest Iowa Community College offers both vocational technical programs and arts and sciences transfer courses — 43 programs in all.

  • For more information: 
    • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Mark Bandy / 800.352.4907 / bandyma@nicc.edu
    • Website: NWICC Veterans Page

Purdue Global University

Purdue Global is a world-class university within a world-class public university system. When it comes to balancing a career, family, and school, we know that flexibility is key. That's why we put you in control of your education, offering innovative learning options that let you choose what, how, and where you learn. As a CHAMPS institution here in Iowa, our advisors work closely with you to understand your personal learning needs. They also evaluate your academic, professional, or military experiences to give you credit for what you already know. 

Campus locations in Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Davenport and Des Moines. 

Simpson College

Simpson College is a four-year institution located in Indianola with an enrollment of 1,400 full-time students. Simpson also has campuses in West Des Moines and Ankeny and is a United Methodist affiliated, independent, undergraduate, coeducational, liberal-arts college. Simpson College offers a nurturing academic environment and is close to career and entertainment options that Iowa's capital city offers.

Southeastern Community College

At Southeastern Community College (SCC), we're on to something. While some are beginning the journey to a four-year degree, others are learning specialized skills to enter a rewarding career. No matter what you're on to, SCC has the resources you need to set and surpass your own expectations. With an engaging campus life, unlimited amount of student resources, and supportive faculty and staff, SCC is more than a college, we're a community. Southeastern Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

St. Ambrose University

We offer more than 60 majors with the flexibility to mix majors, minors, and electives to match your interests. What's more, our spirited community is known for its athletics, special events, and outstanding residence halls. SAU students are inspired by our Catholic intellectual tradition and commitment to social justice. In fact, they volunteer thousands of service hours every year - and more than 150,000 hours in the past year alone! St. Ambrose University is committed to helping students from all financial backgrounds achieve their dreams of gaining a quality education. Many families believe that they will not qualify for financial aid, but almost 90 percent of St. Ambrose undergraduate students receive financial aid assistance.

  • For more information:

University of Dubuque

The University of Dubuque offers unparalleled support to our student veterans. Our commitment to our Nation’s service-members and veterans dates to World War II with the Navy’s V5/V12 programs, continuing to the present day with a vibrant Army ROTC Eagle Detachment, and a veteran support group for those studying on campus. In addition, for the past 15 years the University of Dubuque has purposefully encouraged Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) graduates living overseas to join our community.

University of Iowa 

The University of Iowa is a public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa. The University of Iowa is the oldest university in the state. The University of Iowa is known around the world for its balanced commitment to the arts, sciences and humanities. It's home to one of the nation's largest academic medical centers, the pioneering Iowa Writers' Workshop and hundreds of options for affordable, accessible education.

University of Northern Iowa

Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa the University of Northern Iowa is a four year university that offers more that 90 majors across the colleges of Business, Education, Humanities, Arts and Sciences and Social and Behavioral sciences as well as Graduate College.

  • For more information:
    • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Chiquita Loveless / 319.273.3040 / chiquita.loveless@uni.edu
    • Website: UNI Veterans Page

Upper Iowa University

Since 1857, Upper Iowa University has been preparing students to succeed—in the classroom and in the world. That rich history, coupled with a student-centered mission, has created a springboard for UIU to become a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced study.

From our Fayette Campus to our undergraduate and graduate online programs, to our 25 U.S. Centers, including Centers in Cedar Rapids,  Des Moines, the Quad Cities, and Waterloo.  UIU has the people in place to help you succeed.

  • For more information: 
    • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Dawn Novak / 563.425.5400 / novakd@uiu.edu
    • Website: UIU Veterans Page

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Western Iowa Tech Community College has five campuses located in Mapleton, LeMars, Denison and Cherokee. The main campus is in Sioux City, Iowa. As a comprehensive community college, their mission is to provide quality education and to economically enhance the communities they serve.

Become a Higher Education Partner

To become a Certified Higher Education Military Partner (CHAMP), Iowa colleges and universities must meet certain criteria in three categories: veteran transition assistance, veteran financial assistance and on-campus resources for veterans. 

Complete the form below to become a CHAMP in the Home Base Iowa program.

Institution Information

Primary Veteran Services Point of Contact for HBI
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No

Veteran Transition Considerations - Must meet at least three of the four
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No

Veteran Financial Considerations - Must meet at least three of four
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No

Veteran On-Campus Resources - Must meet at least three of four
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No
  •   Yes
      No