At $2,795/yr net price, Northern Marianas College graduates earn $27,836/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,795 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,836/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,164/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,235/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,182/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,258/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,639/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
42.2% of students at Northern Marianas 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
Northern Marianas College delivers one of the lowest returns on investment among U.S. colleges, with graduates earning a median $27,836 annually ten years after enrollment. This puts your potential lifetime earnings well below national averages, even accounting for the extremely low $2,795 annual net price.
The Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning just $15,552 annually, making it financially unsustainable for most career goals. With limited program diversity and a 42% graduation rate, your odds of completing a degree that leads to meaningful income remain uncertain.
The biggest financial risk at NMC is geographic isolation limiting job opportunities. The Northern Mariana Islands' small economy offers few high-paying positions, and relocating to the mainland United States for better opportunities eliminates any cost advantage from the low tuition. You face additional risks from the 59% retention rate, suggesting many students struggle to adapt to the academic environment.
This school works financially only if you plan to remain in the CNMI long-term and pursue careers in local government, education, or small business where a degree provides credentialing rather than income growth. The low cost makes it viable for students who need basic degree requirements before transferring to mainland institutions.
With nearly three-quarters of students receiving financial aid, most attend essentially tuition-free. However, the opportunity cost remains high given the weak earnings outcomes. Unless you have specific ties to the region or view this as a stepping stone to transfer elsewhere, you should consider mainland community colleges or regional universities that offer stronger career prospects despite higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Marianas College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northern Marianas College costs only $2,795 per year, making it extremely affordable. However, graduates earn just $27,836 after 10 years, which is well below national averages for college graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Northern Marianas College and does it affect ROI?
Only 42% of students graduate from Northern Marianas College. This low completion rate means many students may leave with debt but no degree, significantly hurting potential returns on investment.
Which programs at Northern Marianas College offer the best job prospects?
The most popular programs are Liberal Arts and General Studies, but graduates in these fields typically earn around $15,552. These low earnings make it difficult to justify even the school's modest costs from a purely financial perspective.
Should I worry about student debt if I attend Northern Marianas College?
The low annual cost of $2,795 means debt levels should be manageable compared to mainland schools. However, the combination of low graduation rates and poor earning outcomes creates financial risk even at this price point.