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 gives you a workable return with low risk. Median debt sits at $12,000 against $44,425 in median earnings a decade out, so you are not borrowing more than a year's pay. That ratio is the strongest argument for this school, and it holds up because the career and technical programs feed directly into regional demand.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner, paying about $53,000 and nearly matching the electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance track. Both point you at hands-on jobs in northwestern Minnesota that don't require moving. Fire protection and drafting land lower, in the mid-$40,000s, which still clears the school-wide median but leaves less cushion. The catch: nursing and allied health carry heavier debt loads, around $19,000 to $21,250, well above the school's $12,000 median. If you go that route, you trade the low-debt advantage for higher pay, so run the math on your specific program.
The main risk here is finishing. The 48% graduation rate means roughly half of you leave without the credential, and a technical certificate or partial coursework won't earn the salaries listed above. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome at any school, and it's a real possibility here.
Net price rewards lower incomes. Under $30,000, you pay about $9,400. over $110,000, you pay closer to $17,200, nearly double. For a two-year program, families in the bottom tiers keep total cost well under $20,000.
This school fits you if you want a specific trade or health credential and plan to work locally. It fits you less if you're undecided or aiming at a four-year path, since the payoff depends entirely on picking a program and finishing it.
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.