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 gives you a mixed financial return that depends entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns $43,526 ten years out against $12,000 in debt, so the typical outcome clears the debt load comfortably. The problem is the spread between programs is enormous.
The health programs carry this school. Dental support and registered nursing graduates both clear $50,000, and nursing does it even while carrying the highest debt on the list. These are the programs that make the tuition worth paying, and they line up with steady regional demand for health workers. If you come here for dental hygiene or nursing, the math works.
The liberal arts and general studies track is where you should be careful. Graduates earn about a third of what nursing graduates make, barely above what many jobs pay without any degree, while still taking on over $10,000 in debt. As a terminal degree it does not pay off. It only makes sense if you transfer to a four-year school and finish a bachelor's elsewhere.
The biggest risk here is the 25.6% graduation rate. Three of four students do not finish, and if you borrow and leave without the credential, you carry debt with no earnings bump to cover it. The health programs only pay off if you actually complete them.
On price, families earning under $48,000 get the best deal, paying $8,000 to $11,000 a year. Once your income passes $75,000, net price jumps to roughly $18,000, so the discount for lower earners is real and steep. This school fits you if you want a health credential and can finish. Look elsewhere if you want general studies as an end point.
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.