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$3,840Tuition
2,464Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,634Earnings
#6 in NebraskaPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College has built a strong reputation serving rural Nebraska through hands-on career training since 1973. The college enrolls 2,464 students who come primarily for agriculture, health sciences, and technical trades programs that directly feed into regional job markets. With 91% of students coming from in-state, this is clearly Nebraska's own workforce development engine.

The financial picture works in students' favor. Average net price sits at $8,812, while graduates earn a median $42,634 ten years out. Students typically graduate with just $11,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $117. That debt-to-income ratio makes Northeast one of the more affordable paths to middle-class earnings in rural America. The 97.9% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.

Northeast's athletic program reflects its practical focus. The Hawks field 8 varsity sports with 145 total athletes, offering $612,863 in athletic scholarships. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable even as the college maintains its mission of accessible career preparation. The 55.8% six-year graduation rate is respectable for a community college serving first-generation students and working adults balancing multiple responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Northeast Community College delivers hands-on training in agriculture, health sciences, and technical trades that directly serve Nebraska's rural economy. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students personally and can provide individualized career guidance. With a 55.8% graduation rate, the college maintains solid completion rates for a two-year institution serving a rural population. Programs in nursing, diesel technology, and agribusiness prepare students for immediate employment in regional industries. The school's career-focused approach shows results: graduates earn a median of $42,634 within ten years. Students benefit from small classes where professors are practitioners who understand local job markets and employer needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
39.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
55.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,634

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $56,415
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,524
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. Associate $52,107
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Associate $52,107
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $42,682
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $39,489
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Associate $38,829
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $38,597
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $38,337
Agricultural Business and Management. Associate $37,208

View all 83 programs →

Campus Life

Northeast Community College sits in Norfolk, a town of 24,000 people about 120 miles northwest of Omaha. With 536 beds for 2,464 students, only about 22% can live on campus. Most students commute from surrounding rural communities, creating a practical, get-to-work atmosphere during weekdays.

Nebraska winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while summers hit the 80s and 90s. The 145 Hawks athletes compete across 8 sports in the NCCAA, giving students something to cheer for on weekends. With 91% of students from Nebraska, many go home on weekends to help with family farms or work part-time jobs. The campus culture revolves around career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students often study together in agriculture and health science labs, building networks for their future careers. Norfolk offers basic restaurants and shops, but entertainment options are limited. The 97.9% employment rate reflects the school's focus on getting graduates into well-paying jobs quickly rather than creating a four-year college experience.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
536 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1973

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
10°–31°F
July Avg
62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
27.9"
Annual Snowfall
26.3"

Student Demographics

Northeast Community College draws overwhelmingly from Nebraska, with 91% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the college's deep roots in serving rural farming communities across northeast Nebraska. The student body is nearly evenly split between men and women, which makes sense given the school's mix of traditionally male-dominated agricultural and technical programs alongside health sciences careers that often attract more women. About 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families typical of rural Nebraska towns.
Men
47.2%
Women
52.8%
White
72.9%
Black
1.4%
Hispanic
16.3%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
91.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
16.6%

Location

Northeast Community College sits in Norfolk, Nebraska, about 120 miles northwest of Omaha. The campus serves 2,464 students in a town-remote setting that defines rural Nebraska life. Norfolk anchors a region built on agriculture and manufacturing, where wide plains stretch toward distant horizons. With 91% of students coming from in-state, the college reflects its deep Nebraska roots. The surrounding area offers hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation typical of the Great Plains. Students experience genuine small-town community where everyone knows each other. The Hawks compete in 8 varsity sports that bring the community together on game nights. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Northeast Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Norfolk, Nebraska 68702-0469
Northeast Community College main campus
Northeast Community College main campus
Northeast Community College campus
Northeast Community College campus
Northeast Community College campus
Northeast Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,634
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,627
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,100
Loan Repayment Rate
56.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admissions at Northeast Community College?

Northeast Community College maintains open enrollment as a public two-year institution, meaning students who meet basic requirements can enroll. The college serves 2,464 students with a focus on providing accessible higher education to rural Nebraska communities. Over 91% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's mission to serve local residents.

What does Northeast Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,812 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $3,840 while the total cost of attendance reaches $14,688 including room and board. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,979 net, making career training accessible to rural Nebraska families.

What academic programs is Northeast Community College known for?

The college specializes in career-focused programs in agriculture, health sciences, and technical trades. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students get hands-on training for Nebraska's key industries. The school's practical approach helps prepare graduates for immediate employment in rural communities.

How much do Northeast Community College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $42,634 ten years after starting college, with strong employment prospects at 97.9%. The typical graduate carries just $11,000 in debt with monthly payments of $117. These outcomes reflect the college's focus on training students for stable careers in agriculture and technical fields.

What is campus life like at Northeast Community College?

The Norfolk campus houses 536 students in a small-town setting that feels remote from major cities. The Hawks compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 145 total athletes. The close-knit community atmosphere mirrors the rural Nebraska towns most students call home.

Does Northeast Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The college awards $612,863 in athletic scholarships across its 8 varsity sports programs. With 145 student-athletes competing as the Hawks, sports provide both recreational opportunities and financial assistance. The athletic programs reflect the school's commitment to serving rural communities where sports play a central role in local culture.