At $13,224/yr net price, Northeastern Junior College graduates earn $39,893/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,893/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,224 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,893/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,893/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,376 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,190/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,546/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,665/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,934/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,926/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $10,110 |
The Risk Factor
53.6% of students at Northeastern Junior 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
Northeastern Junior College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $39,893 ten years after graduation. The $13,224 annual cost puts graduates underwater financially for years, especially considering the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave with debt but no credential.
Your program choice determines everything here. Electromechanical Instrumentation graduates earn $48,041, making the investment worthwhile given the relatively low debt load. Vehicle Maintenance students see more modest returns at $33,901 but still clear the cost hurdle. Liberal Arts graduates face harsh financial reality with earnings of just $21,312 while carrying $10,110 in debt.
The biggest risk is the graduation rate. If you struggle with completion, you'll face the worst possible outcome: debt without credentials. The rural Colorado job market limits opportunities, so consider whether you'll stay local or relocate after graduation.
This school makes financial sense if you pursue technical programs and plan to work in the region's energy or agricultural sectors. Skip it if you're considering Liberal Arts or lack strong study habits. The low aid percentage (37%) means most students pay close to full price, though merit aid may be available for strong applicants.
Community college alternatives in Denver or Colorado Springs offer better job market access. Only choose Northeastern if you need the specific technical training it offers or must stay in northeastern Colorado for family or work reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeastern Junior College worth the cost?
Northeastern Junior College offers reasonable value for students pursuing technical programs like electromechanical instrumentation, which leads to $48,041 annual earnings. However, graduates in liberal arts earn just $21,312 annually, making the $13,224 yearly cost difficult to justify for those programs.
What programs at Northeastern Junior College have the best ROI?
Electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technology graduates earn $48,041 annually, providing solid returns on investment. Vehicle maintenance programs also offer decent prospects at $33,901, while liberal arts graduates face challenging job markets with earnings of only $21,312.
How much debt do Northeastern Junior College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $9,376 in debt, which is manageable for technical program graduates but creates financial strain for liberal arts majors earning $21,312 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Northeastern Junior College?
Only 53.6% of students graduate from Northeastern Junior College. This means nearly half of students pay tuition without completing their programs, significantly reducing the school's overall value proposition.