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$4,950Tuition
1,198Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,837Earnings
#12 in MissouriPublic2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About North Central Missouri College

North Central Missouri College draws 1,198 students to rural Trenton for career-focused education in agriculture, nursing, and skilled trades. The Pirates have served north Missouri farming communities since 1925. Women make up 77% of enrollment, reflecting strong nursing and education programs that anchor the college's reputation. Nearly all students come from Missouri, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.

Students pay an average net price of $10,528 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in the region. Graduates earn a median of $40,837 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of just $10,500. The math works for students entering healthcare and technical fields where associate degrees lead directly to steady employment. Monthly loan payments average only $111 for those who borrow.

The college's 98 student-athletes compete in seven NAIA sports with $266,200 in athletic scholarships available. Employment rates hit 96% for graduates who enter the workforce immediately. With 182 beds on campus and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, the college maintains an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. One-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve first-generation and working-class families.

Academics & Faculty

North Central Missouri College focuses heavily on healthcare and nursing programs that feed into Missouri's rural medical workforce. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide hands-on training in small lab settings. With 76.79% of students being women, the college reflects the demographics of nursing and allied health fields. The 56.40% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving working adults who often attend part-time while managing jobs and families. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities after completing prerequisites, or enter the workforce directly with certificates in medical assisting, radiology technology, and practical nursing programs that address regional healthcare shortages.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
56.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,837

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $51,580
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,201
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $22,999
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $22,989

View all 34 programs →

Campus Life

North Central Missouri College sits in rural Trenton, population 6,000, about 90 minutes northeast of Kansas City. Women make up 77% of the student body at this community college that's been training students for nearly a century. Only 15% of the 1,198 students live in the limited on-campus housing that accommodates 182 residents. Most students commute from surrounding farming communities.

The Pirates compete in seven NAIA sports with 98 total athletes receiving $266,200 in athletic scholarships combined. Winters require heavy coats as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers reach the 80s and 90s. With 98% of students coming from in-state, weekends often mean heading home to family farms or part-time jobs in town. The campus culture centers around nursing and agricultural programs that dominate enrollment. Students gather at athletic events or in the small student center, but social life remains limited in this remote setting. Many work while attending classes to keep costs down at this affordable option for rural Missouri families.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
182 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1925

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Burglary 0 0 1 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
15°–34°F
July Avg
66°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
39.9"
Annual Snowfall
16.9"

Student Demographics

North Central Missouri College draws students primarily from Missouri and the surrounding region, with 98% coming from in-state. Women make up three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract female students. The school serves a working-class population, with about one-third receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Most students are white and from rural communities across northern Missouri. The Pirates compete in NAIA athletics with 98 total athletes across seven sports, creating a tight-knit campus community in small-town Trenton.
Men
23.2%
Women
76.8%
White
86.9%
Black
3.7%
Hispanic
0.7%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
98.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.6%

Location

Trenton sits in north-central Missouri about 100 miles northeast of Kansas City. This rural farming community of roughly 6,000 residents serves as the county seat of Grundy County. The area features rolling farmland and small-town atmosphere typical of Missouri's agricultural heartland. North Central draws 98.21% of its students from within Missouri, reflecting its role as a regional community college. The campus houses 182 students in a town where the college represents one of the largest employers. Downtown Trenton offers basic amenities but students often travel to larger cities for entertainment and shopping. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare North Central Missouri College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Trenton, Missouri 64683

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,837
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,254
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,100
Loan Repayment Rate
49.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at North Central Missouri College?

North Central Missouri College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,198 students primarily from Missouri, with 98.21% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education in rural Missouri.

How much does North Central Missouri College cost after financial aid?

Students at North Central Missouri College pay an average net price of $10,528 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $4,950, while the total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $12,784. About one-third of students receive financial aid, with the average institutional grant worth $6,682.

What academic programs is North Central Missouri College known for?

North Central Missouri College operates as a community college offering two-year programs with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. The college has built a reputation for career-focused training and transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities. Founded in 1925, it has nearly a century of experience serving rural Missouri's educational needs.

What job prospects do North Central Missouri College graduates have?

Graduates of North Central Missouri College achieve a 96.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market success. The median earnings ten years after enrollment reach $40,837, while recent graduates earn around $43,868 within their first year. These outcomes reflect the college's focus on practical, career-oriented education.

Where do students live at North Central Missouri College?

North Central Missouri College houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 182 residents. Room and board costs $7,040 annually for those who choose to live on campus. The campus sits in Trenton, a small town in rural Missouri, providing a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does North Central Missouri College have competitive athletics?

The North Central Missouri College Pirates compete in NAIA athletics across 7 varsity sports with 98 total student-athletes. The athletic program distributes $266,200 in scholarships annually, supporting both male and female athletes. Despite the small size, athletics play an important role in campus life and student engagement.