Northshore Technical Community College: $4,203 Tuition

$4,203Tuition

2,156Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,734Earnings

#18 in LouisianaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Northshore Technical Community College

Northshore Technical Community College trains students for the technical jobs that keep Louisiana's Gulf Coast economy running. The college serves 2,156 students in rural Lacombe, focusing on workforce development programs that connect directly to local industries. Nearly all students come from Louisiana, with 98% hailing from in-state.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students typically pay around $9,942 after aid, while those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,500. Graduates earn a median of $29,734 ten years out, though many enter fields where experience quickly boosts earning power. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $127, and median debt sits at $12,000. The employment rate hits an impressive 93.6%, reflecting strong industry partnerships.

The student body splits fairly evenly between men and women, with 54% white students and 37% Black students creating a diverse learning environment. Class sizes tend to be large, with a 34:1 student-faculty ratio that's typical for community colleges focused on hands-on training. Only 22% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families just above the poverty line but still needing affordable education options.

Academics & Faculty

Northshore Technical Community College specializes in workforce training programs designed to feed Louisiana's industrial corridor. The college offers hands-on technical education in areas like welding, industrial maintenance, and process technology that directly serve local petrochemical and manufacturing employers. Students face a challenging 34:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the school's focus on practical skills over intensive academic mentoring. The 35% graduation rate indicates that many students either transfer quickly to four-year schools or leave early for immediate employment opportunities. With a 94% employment rate, graduates who complete their programs find steady work in the region's technical industries. The college's strength lies in connecting students to real jobs rather than traditional academic pursuits.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 34:1
Full-Time Faculty: 65.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,734

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$33,993
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$22,824
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$21,508
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$19,227
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$19,227

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

This rural Louisiana campus sits about 45 minutes north of New Orleans, where 98% of students come from in-state. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and light layers for mild winters that rarely dip below freezing. Summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s with heavy humidity.

As a commuter-focused technical college, most students drive to campus for classes and work schedules rather than traditional college social life. The 34:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the hands-on nature of workforce training programs that prepare students for local petrochemical, healthcare, and manufacturing jobs. With 93.6% of graduates finding employment, many students balance coursework with part-time work in their field.

The campus serves a diverse student body where 53.7% are white and 36.5% are Black. Weekend activities center around family and work rather than campus events. Students often head to nearby Mandeville for shopping or take the short drive to New Orleans for entertainment. The focus here is practical education that leads directly to career opportunities in the region's growing industrial sector.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–62°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

Nearly every student at Northshore Technical comes from Louisiana, reflecting the college's mission as a workforce development center for local communities. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, unusual for technical colleges that often skew heavily male. This balance suggests strong programs in both traditionally male-dominated trades and fields like healthcare that attract more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The diverse racial makeup mirrors Louisiana's demographics, with significant representation from both white and Black communities.

Men: 47.4%
Women: 52.6%
White: 53.7%
Black: 36.5%
Hispanic: 5.5%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 98.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.9%

Location

Lacombe sits about 45 miles north of New Orleans in Louisiana's rural Northshore region. The area serves as a gateway between the bustling metropolitan south and the quieter northern parishes. Students find themselves in a small community surrounded by pine forests and waterways typical of southeastern Louisiana. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep local roots. The rural-fringe setting means access to both outdoor recreation and proximity to larger employment centers when needed. This location shapes the college's focus on workforce training that serves regional industries from petrochemicals to healthcare. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Northshore Technical Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lacombe, Louisiana 70445

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,734
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,473
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is Northshore Technical Community College?

Community colleges typically have open admission policies, making them accessible to students with varying academic backgrounds. With 2,156 students enrolled, Northshore serves as a gateway for technical education in the greater New Orleans area. The college focuses on workforce development rather than competitive admissions.

What does Northshore Technical Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,942 annually, with tuition set at $4,203 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Only 21.88% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the relatively low costs. Graduates typically leave with just $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northshore Technical Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 34:1, which is higher than typical for community colleges but reflects the school's focus on hands-on technical training. Classes emphasize practical skills for local industries rather than traditional liberal arts education. The college operates on a semester system to align with workforce training timelines.

What are job prospects like for Northshore Technical Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.6% employment rate, reflecting the college's mission to train workers for in-demand technical fields. Median earnings reach $29,734 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically staying in Louisiana's industrial corridor. The 35.20% six-year graduation rate reflects students often entering the workforce before completing degrees.

Where is Northshore Technical Community College located?

The college sits in Lacombe, Louisiana, a rural-fringe community north of Lake Pontchartrain. With 98.02% of students coming from in-state, it serves as a local workforce pipeline. The student body is 53.71% white and 36.50% Black, reflecting the demographics of southeastern Louisiana.

What makes Northshore Technical Community College unique?

The college specializes in technical and workforce training programs designed specifically for Louisiana's industrial economy. With nearly equal gender distribution at 47.40% men and 52.60% women, it attracts students to both traditional trades and emerging technical fields. The focus on local industry partnerships sets it apart from traditional academic community colleges.