Northampton County Area Community College: $5,310 Tuition

$5,310Tuition

7,512Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,566Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Northampton County Area Community College

Northampton County Area Community College serves the Lehigh Valley with practical, workforce-focused programs that connect directly to regional employers. The college enrolls 7,512 students on its suburban Bethlehem campus. Students here pursue everything from nursing and culinary arts to advanced manufacturing and business administration. The school has built strong partnerships with local hospitals, restaurants, and manufacturers who regularly recruit graduates. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and human services programs.

The financial picture looks manageable for most students. In-state tuition runs $5,310, but the average net price after aid drops to $10,666. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,432 after financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $41,566 ten years out, which easily covers the typical debt load of $15,495. Monthly loan payments average $164, making this education affordable for working-class families.

The graduation rate of 21% reflects the reality of community college students who often work full-time and attend part-time. However, the employment rate hits 93.5%, showing that students who complete programs find work quickly. Nearly 97% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community focused on serving the local economy.

Academics & Faculty

Northampton County Area Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable career training and transfer preparation. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 21% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college offers traditional associate degree programs in liberal arts and sciences for students planning to transfer to four-year universities. Career-focused programs include nursing, business, and skilled trades that align with the Lehigh Valley's manufacturing and healthcare economy. With 96.70% of students coming from Pennsylvania, the college primarily serves local residents looking to gain credentials without leaving the region.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 16.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 21.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,566

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,728
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$52,107
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$45,277
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$39,369
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Associate	$33,993
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$28,960
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$28,719
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$26,896
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Associate	$25,194
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$24,421

View all 82 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 97% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community in the Lehigh Valley. The campus sits in Bethlehem, about an hour north of Philadelphia, where students can catch Phillies games or explore historic neighborhoods. With only 575 housing spots for over 7,500 students, most commute from home or nearby apartments. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller classes.

Winters require heavy coats as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers bring humid heat that sends students to the campus quad between classes. The college fields 7 varsity sports with 114 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Women make up 64% of enrollment, reflecting the strong nursing and allied health programs that draw students from across the region. Weekends often mean heading home since this is primarily a commuter campus, though students stick around for basketball games and campus events. The surrounding Bethlehem area offers steel mill history, local diners, and easy access to hiking trails in the Pocono Mountains.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 575 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	6	6
Burglary	3	3
Rape	2	2
Fondling	2	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–37°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.0"
Annual Snowfall: 33.1"

Student Demographics

Northampton County Area Community College draws primarily local students, with 97% coming from Pennsylvania. The student body is diverse, reflecting the changing demographics of the Lehigh Valley region. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges that attract many students pursuing healthcare, education, and human services programs. The college serves a substantial population of first-generation and working-class students. Many students are career changers and adult learners seeking practical skills training. The Hispanic student population represents the area's growing Latino community, particularly around Bethlehem and Allentown.

Men: 35.9%
Women: 64.1%
White: 42.5%
Black: 13.2%
Hispanic: 28.3%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 96.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.4%

Location

Northampton County Area Community College sits in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley region blends industrial heritage with suburban growth, anchored by historic steel towns that have transformed into education and healthcare centers. Bethlehem itself carries the legacy of Bethlehem Steel while hosting multiple colleges including Lehigh University and Moravian University. With 96.70% of students coming from Pennsylvania, the college draws heavily from local communities seeking affordable higher education. The suburban setting offers access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation in the Pocono Mountains. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Northampton County Area Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020-7599

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,566
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,651
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $164/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,495

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northampton County Area Community College?

As a community college, Northampton County Area Community College maintains an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The school serves 7,512 students primarily from the local area, with 96.70% coming from Pennsylvania. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in the Lehigh Valley.

How much does Northampton County Area Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,666 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $5,310, while 38.43% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs. The school keeps education affordable for working-class families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $8,432 per year.

What academic programs is Northampton County Area Community College known for?

The college operates on a semester system with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Students can choose from career-focused programs that prepare them for immediate employment or transfer pathways to four-year universities. The school has built a reputation for practical training that meets local workforce needs in the Bethlehem area.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Northampton County Area Community College?

Graduates achieve a 93.5% employment rate, demonstrating strong connections between the college's programs and local job markets. Ten years after enrollment, alumni earn a median salary of $41,566. The college's focus on career preparation helps students enter stable employment relatively quickly after graduation.

Does Northampton County Area Community College have on-campus housing?

The college offers on-campus housing for 575 students at $10,568 per year for room and board. About two-thirds of the student body is female, creating a diverse residential community. Most students commute from the surrounding Lehigh Valley area rather than live on campus.

How successful are students at completing their programs at Northampton County Area Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 21.20%, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. Students who do complete programs typically graduate with manageable debt loads, with a median of $15,495. The college serves many part-time and working students who may take longer to finish their degrees.