About Colorado Northwestern Community College
Colorado Northwestern Community College trains students for careers in energy and outdoor recreation industries. This small rural campus serves 500 students in the heart of Colorado's oil and gas country. The college has built strong connections with energy companies who recruit directly from programs like petroleum technology and diesel mechanics.
Students pay an average net price of $12,316 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $43,526 ten years after starting school. The debt burden stays manageable at $12,000 median, with monthly payments of just $127. This creates a solid return on investment for students entering high-demand technical fields.
The student body splits 62% women and 38% men, with 71% coming from Colorado. With only 311 housing spots available, many students commute from surrounding ranching communities. The Spartans compete in 8 NJCAA sports with 103 total athletes sharing $408,680 in athletic scholarships. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of hands-on attention in labs and workshops. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting a student population that includes working adults upgrading skills for energy sector jobs.
Students pay an average net price of $12,316 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $43,526 ten years after starting school. The debt burden stays manageable at $12,000 median, with monthly payments of just $127. This creates a solid return on investment for students entering high-demand technical fields.
The student body splits 62% women and 38% men, with 71% coming from Colorado. With only 311 housing spots available, many students commute from surrounding ranching communities. The Spartans compete in 8 NJCAA sports with 103 total athletes sharing $408,680 in athletic scholarships. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of hands-on attention in labs and workshops. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting a student population that includes working adults upgrading skills for energy sector jobs.
Academics & Faculty
Colorado Northwestern Community College serves as a launching pad for energy industry careers and outdoor recreation programs. The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, giving students direct access to instructors in small classes. Only 25.6% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the college's role as a stepping stone where many transfer before graduating. The college specializes in petroleum technology and renewable energy programs, taking advantage of its location in Colorado's energy corridor. Students also pursue outdoor recreation leadership and wildlife management degrees. With just 500 students total, everyone knows each other. Faculty often have industry connections that lead directly to internships and jobs in oil, gas, and renewable energy companies throughout the region.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,526
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,693 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,087 |
Campus Life
Rangely sits 200 miles from Denver in Colorado's high desert, where winter temperatures drop below freezing and you'll need serious winter gear from November through March. About 62% of the 500 students live in dorms on this compact rural campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally.
Weekends revolve around outdoor recreation and tight-knit community events. Students explore nearby canyons for hiking and rock climbing, or drive to local hunting and fishing spots. The energy industry focus draws many students here specifically for oil and gas programs, creating a practical, career-focused atmosphere. With 103 total athletes across 8 varsity sports, Spartans games become major social events in a town this small.
The remoteness means students form close bonds quickly. Study groups happen naturally when everyone knows each other. Campus traditions center around outdoor skills competitions and energy industry guest speakers. Most entertainment happens on campus or requires a drive, so students learn to create their own fun through intramural sports, outdoor clubs, and residence hall activities.
Weekends revolve around outdoor recreation and tight-knit community events. Students explore nearby canyons for hiking and rock climbing, or drive to local hunting and fishing spots. The energy industry focus draws many students here specifically for oil and gas programs, creating a practical, career-focused atmosphere. With 103 total athletes across 8 varsity sports, Spartans games become major social events in a town this small.
The remoteness means students form close bonds quickly. Study groups happen naturally when everyone knows each other. Campus traditions center around outdoor skills competitions and energy industry guest speakers. Most entertainment happens on campus or requires a drive, so students learn to create their own fun through intramural sports, outdoor clubs, and residence hall activities.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 311 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1962
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 2°–31°F
- July Avg
- 55°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 10.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.5"
Student Demographics
Students come from across Colorado's energy corridor and ranching communities, with nearly 71% hailing from in-state. The student body leans heavily female at 62%, reflecting strong nursing and business programs alongside the male-dominated energy trades. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, typical for a community college serving working-class families. Hispanic students make up 22% of enrollment, higher than Colorado's rural average. Many students juggle coursework with jobs in nearby oil fields or on family ranches, creating a practical, no-nonsense campus culture focused on career preparation.
- Men
- 38.2%
- Women
- 61.8%
- White
- 67.8%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 22.0%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 70.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.6%
Location
Colorado Northwestern Community College sits in Rangely, a small town of about 2,300 people in northwestern Colorado. The campus is roughly 330 miles from Denver, making it one of the most remote college locations in the state. Only 70.92% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's appeal to students seeking an isolated mountain experience. The town sits in high desert country near the Utah border, surrounded by oil and gas fields that drive the local economy. This rugged landscape attracts students interested in energy programs and outdoor recreation. Housing capacity of 311 serves about 60% of the 500-student enrollment. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado Northwestern Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Rangely, Colorado 81648-3598
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,526
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,730
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Colorado Northwestern Community College?
Colorado Northwestern Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges. With just 500 students enrolled, the college focuses on serving the energy industry and outdoor recreation sectors in rural Colorado.
How much does Colorado Northwestern Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,316 annually, though only 17.64% of students receive financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $11,008, while in-state tuition alone costs $4,454.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Colorado Northwestern Community College?
The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing personalized attention in this small rural setting. The college specializes in energy industry programs, reflecting the needs of Colorado's western slope region.
What are the employment outcomes for Colorado Northwestern Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate with median earnings of $43,526 ten years after enrollment. However, only 25.60% complete their programs within six years, which is common for community colleges serving working students.
Where is Colorado Northwestern Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Rangely, Colorado, a rural-remote town that houses 311 students on campus. With 103 student athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports as the Spartans, athletics play a notable role despite the small size.
Does Colorado Northwestern Community College offer programs for the energy industry?
The college specializes in energy industry training programs, reflecting Colorado's oil and gas sector presence in the region. Students graduate with manageable debt of $12,000 median and monthly loan payments of just $127.
