About Northland Community and Technical College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $9,399 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay up to $17,217. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,425 ten years after starting, with relatively low debt burdens averaging $12,000. Monthly loan payments typically run just $127, making this an affordable path to steady employment. The employment rate hits 97.4%, reflecting strong job placement in technical fields.
The student body leans female at 58.97%, with about half coming from Minnesota and half from other states. Athletic programs compete in the NCCAA with 76 total athletes across 9 varsity sports. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for hands-on training in labs and workshops. Nearly half of students graduate within six years, moving directly into careers that serve their communities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,425
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,017 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,663 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,170 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,426 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $39,369 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $37,478 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $37,208 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,941 |
Campus Life
Most students commute to campus since housing options are limited in this remote town of 8,500 residents. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students by name in hands-on technical labs. Women make up 58.97% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in healthcare and business programs. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling, taking advantage of Minnesota's lake country and forests.
The campus culture emphasizes practical skills over traditional college social life. Students spend significant time in welding shops, nursing labs, and automotive bays. With only 6.08% receiving institutional grants averaging $4,923, most students work part-time while attending classes. The remote setting creates tight-knit cohorts within each technical program.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- -3°–14°F
- July Avg
- 56°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 0.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.0%
- Women
- 59.0%
- White
- 74.4%
- Black
- 9.1%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 54.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.8%
Location
- Address
- Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,425
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,032
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Northland Community and Technical College?
Northland Community and Technical College maintains open enrollment for most programs, making it accessible to students with varying academic backgrounds. The college serves 1,382 students across its technical and transfer programs. As a community college focused on workforce development, it prioritizes getting students into career-ready programs quickly.
How much does Northland Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,168 annually, though costs vary by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,399 on average, while higher-income families pay up to $17,217. The college offers the same $6,262 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.
What academic programs is Northland Community and Technical College known for?
The college specializes in career-focused technical programs and workforce training that serve northern Minnesota's economy. Students work with faculty in an 18:1 ratio across various technical fields. The semester-based system allows for concentrated study in programs designed to meet regional employer needs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Northland Community and Technical College?
Graduates achieve a strong 97.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on practical skills training. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $44,425. The college's emphasis on technical education and workforce development creates direct pathways to employment in northern Minnesota.
Where is Northland Community and Technical College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, a remote town setting that creates a close-knit community atmosphere. With 58.97% women and 41.03% men, the student body reflects typical community college demographics. The campus offers 9 varsity sports through NCCAA competition, engaging 76 total athletes.
How manageable is student debt at Northland Community and Technical College?
Students graduate with a median debt load of just $12,000, lower than four-year institutions. Monthly loan payments average only $127, making repayment manageable on technical career salaries. The 54.49% loan repayment rate reflects the practical, career-focused education that leads to steady employment.
