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$4,830Tuition
1,607Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,477Earnings
#4 in WyomingPublic2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Northern Wyoming Community College District

Students flock to this Wyoming community college for its strong technical programs and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Bighorn Mountains. With 1,607 students enrolled, the campus serves as a regional center in the rural town of Sheridan. The college has built a reputation for welding, nursing, and automotive technology programs that connect directly to local industries. Its 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on learning in small classes.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average of $8,890 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying even less at $7,727. Graduates earn a median of $40,477 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of just $8,622. Monthly loan payments average only $91, making this an affordable path to middle-class earnings. The 58.76% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates can handle their debt burden.

The student body skews female at 59.99% and draws heavily from Wyoming, with 84.40% of students coming from in-state. Seven NAIA sports teams compete with 132 total athletes sharing $893,217 in athletic scholarships. The 93.0% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 42.90% six-year graduation rate indicates many students transfer or leave before completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Northern Wyoming Community College serves students across the vast landscapes of Wyoming's Powder River Basin with practical, career-focused programs. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classes typical of rural community colleges. With a 42.9% six-year graduation rate, NWCCD reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce before completing degrees. The college is known for its strong vocational programs, including welding, automotive technology, and nursing, which align with Wyoming's energy and healthcare industries. Students often choose NWCCD for its affordable pathway to technical careers or as a stepping stone to Wyoming's four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,477

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $61,380
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $55,151
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $47,260
Precision Metal Working. Associate $40,132
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $32,391
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $30,228

View all 75 programs →

Campus Life

Students bundle up in heavy winter coats for much of the academic year in this high-altitude Wyoming town. Sheridan sits about 150 miles from Billings, Montana, making it genuinely remote with long, snowy winters and short summers. About 47% of the 1,607 students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 750 students. The tight-knit community means you'll recognize faces walking between the compact campus buildings.

Weekend activities revolve around outdoor recreation and NAIA athletics. Students hike in the nearby Bighorn Mountains or attend one of seven varsity sports with 132 total athletes competing. The Generals draw decent crowds for basketball and rodeo events. With 84% of students from Wyoming, many go home on weekends or head to regional towns for shopping and entertainment. The student body skews 60% female, creating a collaborative rather than competitive academic atmosphere. Study groups form easily with the 15:1 student-faculty ratio allowing for personal attention from professors who know students by name.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
750 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 3 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
11°–36°F
July Avg
53°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
37.0"
Annual Snowfall
-714.4"

Student Demographics

The student body draws heavily from Wyoming and surrounding rural areas, with over 80% coming from in-state. Women outnumber men , reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and business that traditionally attract female students. The college serves a largely working-class community, though only 17% receive Pell Grants. Most students are white, mirroring the demographics of rural Wyoming. This is a regional institution where local ranchers' kids study alongside first-generation college students preparing for careers in nursing, welding, and other practical fields that serve the rural economy.
Men
40.0%
Women
60.0%
White
78.9%
Black
1.0%
Hispanic
11.1%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
84.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
17.5%

Location

Sheridan sits in north-central Wyoming, 150 miles from Billings, Montana, the nearest major city. The town of 18,000 residents lies in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, offering outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. With 84% of students coming from Wyoming, the college serves as a regional center for northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. The rural setting provides a tight-knit community atmosphere where students can focus on academics without urban distractions. Sheridan's western heritage runs deep, with ranching and energy industries dominating the local economy. The campus houses 750 students in a town where the college represents a significant presence. Students considering colleges in Wyoming may also compare Northern Wyoming Community College District with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,477
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,337
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,600
Loan Repayment Rate
58.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$91/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,622

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Northern Wyoming Community College District?

NWCCD maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school performance. With 1,607 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in rural Wyoming. The student body is 84.40% in-state residents, reflecting its role as a regional educational center.

How much does Northern Wyoming Community College District cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,890 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,727 net, while those earning over $110,000 pay $12,885. Only 17.46% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families just above federal poverty thresholds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northern Wyoming Community College District?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively personalized attention in classroom settings. NWCCD operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career-oriented programs that align with Wyoming's energy and agriculture industries. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and workforce development.

What are the job prospects for Northern Wyoming Community College District graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.0% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled workers in Wyoming's economy. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $40,477, competitive for two-year degree holders in rural areas. The 42.90% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving working students and those needing remedial coursework.

Where do students live at Northern Wyoming Community College District?

The college houses 750 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $9,841 annually. Located in Sheridan, a town in remote Wyoming, the campus serves students from across the sparsely populated region. The setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities and a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Does Northern Wyoming Community College District offer athletics?

NWCCD competes in NAIA athletics with 7 varsity sports programs serving 132 student-athletes. The college awards $893,217 in athletic scholarships, providing significant financial support relative to its small enrollment. Athletics programs help recruit students to this remote location while building school spirit and community connections.