At $8,890/yr net price, Northern Wyoming Community College District graduates earn $40,477/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,477/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,890 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,477/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,477/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,622 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,727/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,736/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,879/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,624/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,885/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,380 | $15,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,151 | $6,500 |
| 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 | $7,736 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $30,228 | $8,463 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Northern Wyoming Community College District 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 Wyoming Community College District delivers solid returns for career-focused programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine its financial value. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $61,380 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI options despite higher debt loads of $15,500.
Dental support services offers an even better financial picture with $55,151 in median earnings and just $6,500 in debt. Vehicle maintenance and precision metalworking programs also provide decent returns in the $40,000-47,000 range, aligning well with Wyoming's energy and manufacturing job market.
The major red flag is the 42.9% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students leave without completing their programs. This creates significant financial risk since you still owe money on loans even if you don't graduate. Liberal arts graduates who do finish earn just $32,391, barely justifying even the modest debt levels.
The school makes financial sense if you enroll in nursing, dental support, or skilled trades programs and have a clear plan to complete your degree. The low net price of $8,890 keeps costs manageable compared to four-year options.
Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts or lack strong motivation to finish. With only 17.5% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best strategy is choosing a high-earning program and taking advantage of the low in-state pricing to minimize debt while building job-ready skills for Wyoming's regional economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Wyoming Community College District worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,890 per year and 10-year earnings of $40,477, the school offers decent value for money compared to many four-year colleges. The low median debt of $8,622 reduces financial risk, though the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Northern Wyoming Community College District?
Nursing programs lead with $61,380 in 10-year earnings, followed by dental support services at $55,151. Vehicle maintenance and precision metalworking also pay well at around $40,000-47,000.
How much student debt will I have after Northern Wyoming Community College District?
The median debt is $8,622, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load makes the school less risky financially than many alternatives.
Should I avoid certain majors at Northern Wyoming Community College District?
Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn only $32,391 after 10 years, which barely covers the investment. Focus on nursing, dental, or skilled trades programs for better financial returns.