About Northeastern Junior College
Students pay an average net price of $13,224 after financial aid, with 37% receiving Pell Grants to help cover costs. Graduates earn a median of $39,893 ten years after leaving, while carrying manageable debt loads of $9,376. The monthly loan payment of $99 makes this education affordable for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,190 net price, making college accessible to first-generation students.
The athletic program awards $614,800 in scholarships across 12 sports, with 172 student-athletes competing at the NJCAA level. Nearly 87% of students come from Colorado, creating a strong sense of home-state pride. With a 94% employment rate after graduation, students find work quickly in agriculture, energy, and local businesses. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just numbers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,893
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,041 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,901 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,312 |
Campus Life
Weekends revolve around Plainsmen athletics, especially rodeo competitions that draw crowds from across the region. The college fields 12 varsity sports with 172 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. Many students work part-time jobs in town or on nearby ranches and farms. The student body is 59% female and 87% Colorado residents, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Agriculture programs connect directly to the surrounding farmland, while students often gather in the student center or participate in intramural sports. The nearest mall or major entertainment is an hour away in Fort Collins, so campus events and outdoor activities fill most free time.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 578 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1941
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–42°F
- July Avg
- 62°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 68.1%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 17.3%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 86.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.3%
Location
- Address
- Sterling, Colorado 80751-2944
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,893
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,446
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $99/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,376
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission at Northeastern Junior College?
As a community college, Northeastern Junior College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 825 students primarily from northeastern Colorado's rural communities. Most students come from in-state, with 86.58% of the student body consisting of Colorado residents.
What does Northeastern Junior College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Northeastern Junior College is $13,224 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,190 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $5,582. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with only $9,376 in debt.
What academic programs is Northeastern Junior College known for?
Northeastern Junior College specializes in agriculture and vocational programs that serve rural Colorado's economy. The school maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. With 58.79% women and 41.21% men enrolled, the college attracts students seeking practical skills for regional industries.
How successful are Northeastern Junior College graduates in finding employment?
Northeastern Junior College graduates achieve a 94.2% employment rate after completion. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $39,893. The college's focus on agriculture and practical skills training aligns well with northeastern Colorado's job market needs.
What is campus life like at Northeastern Junior College?
The campus houses 578 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere in Sterling, Colorado. Northeastern fields 12 varsity sports teams called the Plainsmen, with 172 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. The school awards $614,800 in athletic scholarships annually, reflecting its strong commitment to sports programs.
Does Northeastern Junior College have a strong rodeo program?
Northeastern Junior College maintains one of Colorado's most respected collegiate rodeo programs as part of its agricultural focus. The Plainsmen compete nationally in rodeo events, drawing students from across the rural West. This tradition connects directly to the college's mission of serving ranching and farming communities in northeastern Colorado.
