At $13,168/yr net price, Northland Community and Technical College graduates earn $44,425/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,425/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,168 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,425/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,425/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,399/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,040/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,540/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,905/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,217/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 | $53,017 | $21,250 |
| 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 | $19,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $39,369 | $11,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 | $12,000 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
48.1% of students at Northland Community and Technical 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
Northland Community and Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a rural two-year school, with graduates earning a median $44,425 annually while carrying just $12,000 in debt. The low debt load makes this school financially accessible even if your career earnings remain modest.
Your program choice determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn $53,017 annually despite higher debt of $21,250, making it the clear financial winner. Electromechanical instrumentation pays similarly at $52,663 with lower debt requirements. Fire protection and drafting programs offer decent middle-ground options around $44,000-$46,000 annually. However, many other programs likely fall well below the median earnings figure, so research your specific field carefully.
The 48% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, potentially with debt but no credential. If you struggle with program completion or need extensive academic support, this risk becomes more serious for your finances.
This school works best for you if you live in rural Minnesota or can relocate affordably, since the job market for these technical fields centers regionally. The low net price of $13,168 makes it particularly attractive if you qualify for the limited financial aid available to just 22% of students.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student services, want bachelor's degree options, or plan to work in major metropolitan areas where employers might prefer graduates from larger technical colleges. The rural location limits both campus resources and nearby internship opportunities that could boost your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northland Community and Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $13,168 and 10-year earnings of $44,425, Northland offers decent value for a community college. The low median debt of $12,000 reduces financial risk, though the 48% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What programs at Northland Community and Technical College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with $53,017 average earnings, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $52,663. Fire protection and drafting programs also pay well above the school average at $46,087 and $44,170 respectively.
How much debt do Northland Community and Technical College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load helps make the investment worthwhile even with modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Northland Community and Technical College?
Only 48% of students graduate, meaning completion is a real risk. Students should have clear career goals and be prepared to stay focused to avoid becoming part of the 52% who don't finish.