About North Idaho College
The financial picture makes NIC appealing to budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of $11,481 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,396. Graduates typically leave with only $9,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $95. Ten years after attending, alumni earn a median salary of $40,081. The math works in students' favor, especially considering the 95.3% employment rate among graduates.
Women make up nearly 64% of the student body, and about 80% come from Idaho. The Cardinals compete in nine NAIA sports with 156 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $645,831 across all programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger institutions struggle to provide.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,081
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,391 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,554 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,119 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,150 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in class. With 80% of students from Idaho, there's a strong local community feel. The Cardinals compete in nine NAIA sports with 156 total athletes, and many students take advantage of the area's incredible outdoor recreation. Lake Coeur d'Alene offers year-round activities from skiing at nearby Silver Mountain to summer water sports. Weekends often involve hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the lakefront campus. The scenic setting attracts students who want quality education without sacrificing access to nature. Most students balance work with classes, reflected in the strong 95.3% employment rate.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 198 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1933
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–35°F
- July Avg
- 56°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 25.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -748.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.2%
- Women
- 63.8%
- White
- 77.8%
- Black
- 0.9%
- Hispanic
- 8.7%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 80.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.5%
Location
- Address
- Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814-2199
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,081
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,155
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at North Idaho College?
North Idaho College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning students can register for classes without traditional admission barriers. The college serves 2,488 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education pathways in the scenic Coeur d'Alene area. About 80% of students come from Idaho, reflecting the college's strong local community ties.
How much does North Idaho College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at North Idaho College is $11,481 per year, making it one of the more affordable college options in Idaho. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $10,000 annually, while in-state tuition starts at just $3,396. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, partly because many can afford the low tuition costs.
What academic programs is North Idaho College known for?
North Idaho College specializes in transfer programs and workforce training with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on preparing students for four-year universities or immediate employment. With 64% of students being women, NIC has become particularly strong in fields that attract female students.
What job prospects do North Idaho College graduates have?
North Idaho College graduates achieve a 95.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. Median earnings reach $40,081 ten years after enrollment, while graduates typically leave with just $9,000 in debt. The college's focus on practical workforce training helps students enter the job market quickly in the growing Coeur d'Alene economy.
Where do students live at North Idaho College?
North Idaho College offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 198 students out of 2,488 total enrollment. Most students commute from the Coeur d'Alene area, contributing to the college's strong community college atmosphere. The campus sits in a small city setting near Lake Coeur d'Alene, providing a scenic backdrop for student life.
Does North Idaho College have competitive athletics?
North Idaho College competes in NAIA athletics as the Cardinals with 9 varsity sports programs. The college supports 156 student-athletes with $645,831 in athletic scholarships available. Despite being a two-year institution, NIC maintains a competitive athletic program that serves as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities.
