At $11,481/yr net price, North Idaho College graduates earn $40,081/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,081/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,481 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,924 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,081/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,081/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,000/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,393/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,227/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,407/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,521/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 | $10,764 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | $16,145 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at North Idaho 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
North Idaho College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths but shows concerning completion rates that undermine its overall value proposition. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $63,005 in median earnings with manageable debt of $10,764.
Your success at NIC depends heavily on program choice. Registered nursing offers strong ROI in Idaho's healthcare market, while criminal justice graduates earn $42,682 annually. However, practical nursing carries higher debt at $16,145 for lower earnings of $38,289, making the registered nursing track a better investment. Precision metal working lags significantly at $32,391 in earnings.
The major financial risk is NIC's 36% graduation rate. With roughly two-thirds of students failing to complete their programs, you face substantial risk of accumulating debt without credentials. The relatively low median debt of $9,000 softens this blow somewhat, but incomplete programs still represent lost time and money.
NIC works best financially if you're focused on nursing or need affordable local education before transferring. The $11,481 net price makes it accessible for regional students, and only 25% of students require financial aid. The school fits your budget if you're certain about your program choice and can commit to completion.
Skip NIC if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside healthcare and trades. The combination of low completion rates and limited high-earning programs makes it risky for exploratory students. Transfer-focused students should verify credit acceptance at target four-year schools before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Idaho College worth the cost for most students?
North Idaho College offers decent value with a low net price of $11,481 and typical debt of only $9,000. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at North Idaho College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $63,000 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI at North Idaho College. Criminal justice graduates earn about $42,700, while other programs like practical nursing and accounting pay around $38,000.
How much debt do North Idaho College graduates typically have?
North Idaho College graduates who borrowed money typically owe $9,000, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The low debt load helps offset the modest earnings of $40,081 ten years after enrollment.
Does North Idaho College have good job placement after graduation?
North Idaho College's career outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing students seeing strong job prospects and decent pay. The overall graduation rate of 36% suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which limits job placement success.