Northern Marianas College: $4,038 Tuition

$4,038Tuition

1,236Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$27,836Earnings

#1 in Northern Mariana IslandsPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Northern Marianas College

This Pacific island institution serves as the primary higher education option for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. With 1,236 students, Northern Marianas College functions as both a community college and four-year institution on the remote island of Saipan. The college specializes in programs that serve the local community's needs, including business, education, and liberal arts. Nearly all students (99.30%) come from in-state, reflecting its role as the territory's main college option.

Students pay an average net price of just $2,795 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in any U.S. territory. About 74% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. However, graduates earn a median of $27,836 ten years after enrollment, which creates a challenging return on investment scenario. The low debt burden helps offset modest post-graduation earnings in the local economy.

The student body is predominantly female (62.70%) and reflects the territory's diverse Pacific Islander heritage, with 43.85% identifying as Asian. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio suggests larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Only 42% of students graduate within six years, and the 59% retention rate indicates academic and personal challenges that many students face in this remote setting.

Academics & Faculty

Northern Marianas College serves as the Commonwealth's primary higher education institution, offering both associate and bachelor's degree programs to a student body that is 99.30% local residents. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small for a community college, though the 42.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The college focuses heavily on practical programs that serve the local economy, including business administration, education, and health sciences. As a community college with limited four-year offerings, most students either complete associate degrees or transfer to mainland institutions to finish bachelor's programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.2%
Retention Rate: 59.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $27,836
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$15,552

View all 26 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits on Saipan, a tropical island 3,700 miles from the U.S. mainland where temperatures hover around 80°F year-round. You'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, as the island enjoys consistent trade winds and occasional tropical storms. Nearly all students (99.30%) are local residents who commute to campus rather than live in dorms. The student body is predominantly Asian (43.85%) and female (62.70%), reflecting the island's demographics and culture.

Weekend life centers around island activities like beach gatherings, snorkeling, and family events rather than traditional college parties. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention in small classes where professors know your name. Many students balance coursework with jobs to support families, contributing to the 59.26% retention rate as life circumstances sometimes interrupt studies. The campus serves as a community center where education blends with local Chamorro and Carolinian cultures. Students often study together in groups, preparing for careers in tourism, education, and government that keep the island running.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1981

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 74°–84°F
July Avg: 78°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 69.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body draws almost exclusively from the local community, with women outnumbering men nearly two to one. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working families across the Northern Mariana Islands. The demographic makeup mirrors the region's Pacific Islander and Asian populations. Students typically juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. Many are first-generation college students seeking practical skills for local employment. The gender split aligns with the school's strong programs in education and health sciences, fields that traditionally attract more women.

Men: 37.3%
Women: 62.7%
White: 0.9%
Black: 0.1%
Hispanic: 1.3%
Asian: 43.9%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 73.7%

Location

Northern Marianas College sits on Saipan, the largest island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, over 3,800 miles from the U.S. mainland. The campus serves a remote Pacific archipelago where 99.30% of students are local residents. Saipan blends tropical beaches with historical World War II sites, creating a unique island setting far from traditional college towns. The isolation means students experience education in one of America's most distant territories. The college serves as the primary higher education institution for the entire island chain. Students considering colleges in the Northern Mariana Islands may also compare Northern Marianas College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands 96950-1250

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $27,836
Median Earnings (5 years): $28,103
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $17,100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northern Marianas College?

Northern Marianas College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic admission requirements. The college primarily serves the local Chamorro and Carolinian communities along with other Pacific Islander populations, with 99.30% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility reflects the institution's mission to provide higher education opportunities across the remote Northern Mariana Islands.

How much does Northern Marianas College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,795 annually, making it one of the most affordable colleges in America. With 73.71% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves a predominantly low-income student population. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $2,235 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northern Marianas College?

The college maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,236 enrolled students. Classes focus heavily on practical skills and cultural preservation, reflecting the unique needs of Pacific Islander communities. The college offers programs in areas like business, education, and traditional Pacific arts alongside standard academic subjects.

What are the graduation outcomes at Northern Marianas College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 42.20%, with a four-year rate of 39.75%. Graduates earn a median salary of $27,836 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the local economy of the Northern Mariana Islands. The 59.26% retention rate indicates that many students face challenges balancing education with family and work responsibilities common in small island communities.

Where is Northern Marianas College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands, in a town-remote setting surrounded by tropical landscapes. With 62.70% women and 37.30% men, the student body reflects traditional Pacific Islander educational patterns. The college serves as a cultural center for preserving Chamorro and Carolinian traditions while preparing students for modern careers.

Does Northern Marianas College offer unique programs for Pacific Islander students?

The college specializes in programs that blend Western education with Pacific Islander cultural knowledge and languages. With 43.85% Asian students and strong representation from indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian communities, it offers one of the few higher education opportunities in Micronesia. Founded in 1981, the college has become essential for maintaining cultural identity while developing professional skills in the remote Pacific region.