At $12,316/yr net price, Colorado Northwestern Community College graduates earn $43,526/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,526/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,316 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,526/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,526/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,008/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,045/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,763/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,995/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,767/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,693 | $13,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,856 | $17,488 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,087 | $10,797 |
The Risk Factor
25.6% of students at Colorado Northwestern Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Colorado Northwestern Community College delivers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare programs but significant risks elsewhere. Your earnings potential depends entirely on which program you choose.
The dental support and nursing programs justify their costs with solid post-graduation salaries above $50,000. These healthcare tracks offer clear career paths in a region where medical professionals remain in demand. The nursing program does carry higher debt at $17,488, but the earning potential makes this manageable for most graduates.
Liberal arts students face a harsh financial reality with median earnings of just $18,087 after graduation. This income barely covers living expenses, let alone loan payments, making the general studies path financially risky despite lower debt loads.
The 25.6% graduation rate represents a major financial hazard. Three out of four students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion rate significantly increases your risk of poor financial outcomes.
You should consider CNCC if you plan to enter dental support or nursing and can commit to program completion. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance, so prepare to cover most costs yourself or through loans.
Avoid this school if you're considering liberal arts or lack clear career direction. The combination of low completion rates and weak earning potential for non-healthcare programs makes CNCC a poor financial choice for undecided students. Regional alternatives with higher completion rates and broader program strength offer better protection for your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Northwestern Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $12,316 and 10-year earnings of $43,526, Colorado Northwestern Community College offers reasonable value for career-focused programs like dental support and nursing. However, the 25.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall ROI.
What programs at Colorado Northwestern Community College have the best return on investment?
Dental support services and nursing programs at Colorado Northwestern Community College offer strong earning potential at $55,693 and $50,856 respectively. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $18,087, making career-focused programs the better financial choice.
How much debt do Colorado Northwestern Community College graduates typically have?
Colorado Northwestern Community College graduates have a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset concerns about the school's below-average graduation rate.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Colorado Northwestern Community College?
The main risk at Colorado Northwestern Community College is the 25.6% graduation rate, meaning three out of four students don't complete their programs. Students who don't graduate still face debt but miss out on the credential needed for higher earnings.