At $11,555/yr net price, Northcentral Technical College graduates earn $44,925/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,925/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,555 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,925/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,925/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,547/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,323/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,143/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,346/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $59,169 | $9,500 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $56,415 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $53,697 | $7,228 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,975 | $8,000 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,091 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,575 | $9,499 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $42,750 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,721 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,793 | $3,500 |
The Risk Factor
48.9% of students at Northcentral Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northcentral Technical College delivers solid returns for a two-year school, with median earnings of $44,925 far outpacing the modest $7,500 debt load most graduates carry. Your financial risk stays low with an $11,555 annual net price that keeps borrowing minimal.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $59,169 in median earnings despite slightly higher debt at $9,500. Computer Programming offers similar returns at $56,415 with no reported debt burden. Healthcare and technical trades also pay well, with nursing graduates earning $51,975 and electromechanical technicians pulling in $53,697. Drafting programs lag behind at $44,091, though this still covers the investment.
The 48.90% graduation rate creates your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting both time and money. This school works best if you enter with clear career goals and strong study habits.
Financial aid coverage appears limited, with only 16.67% of students receiving assistance. You'll likely pay closer to the full net price, making this school most suitable if you can afford the upfront costs or qualify for federal aid programs.
Northcentral Technical College makes financial sense if you target high-earning programs like business or computer programming and can complete your degree. The combination of low debt and strong regional job placement in manufacturing and healthcare creates favorable outcomes for committed students. Skip this school if you're uncertain about your major or struggle with program completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northcentral Technical College worth the cost?
Northcentral Technical College offers decent value with low debt ($7,500 median) and affordable tuition ($11,555 net price), but the graduation rate is concerning at 49%. The payoff depends heavily on your program choice, with business and computer programming graduates earning over $55,000 annually.
What are the highest paying programs at Northcentral Technical College?
Business Administration leads at $59,169 annually, followed by Computer Programming at $56,415 and Electromechanical Instrumentation at $53,697. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at Northcentral Technical College.
How much debt do Northcentral Technical College graduates have?
Graduates leave with relatively low debt at $7,500 median, making Northcentral Technical College more manageable than most schools. This low debt load helps offset the modest earnings of $44,925 for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Northcentral Technical College?
Only 49% of students graduate from Northcentral Technical College, which is below average for technical schools. This high dropout rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, making careful program selection and academic preparation important.