Northwest College: $4,935 Tuition

$4,935Tuition

826Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,950Earnings

#5 in WyomingPublic4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Northwest College

Northwest College builds its reputation around rodeo and agriculture programs that serve Wyoming's rural communities. The Trappers compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association with their strongest tradition in rodeo sports. With 826 students on a remote campus in Powell, this community college draws heavily from Wyoming ranching families and students seeking hands-on career training.

Students pay an average net price of $7,394 after financial aid, making this one of Wyoming's most affordable higher education options. Graduates earn a median of $36,950 ten years after starting college, while typical student debt sits at just $10,000. The low debt burden means monthly loan payments average only $106, creating manageable financial obligations for graduates entering trades and agriculture careers.

Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and education programs alongside traditional male-dominated fields like welding and ranch management. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in both classroom and hands-on learning environments. Nearly all graduates find employment, with a 96.8% employment rate showing strong regional demand for the college's career-focused programs. About two-thirds of students come from Wyoming, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Northwest College serves as Wyoming's gateway to higher education with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention in small classes. The college's 43.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many rural students face balancing education with work and family obligations. Students can choose from traditional academic transfer programs or career-focused technical training. The college is particularly known for its rodeo program, which attracts students from across the region. Many students use Northwest as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities, with in-state tuition at just $4,935. Faculty members often serve as mentors who know students by name and provide individualized support throughout their academic journey.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,950

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,439
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$17,846

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Powell sits 90 miles from Billings, Montana, the nearest major city, surrounded by farmland and the dramatic Beartooth Mountains. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so pack heavy coats for the long season that stretches into April. With housing capacity for 632 students and total enrollment of 826, about three-quarters of students can live on campus if they choose.

The Trappers compete in 10 varsity sports with 157 total athletes, making athletics central to campus life. Northwest College built its reputation on rodeo programs that attract students from across the rural West. Weekend entertainment often centers around sporting events or outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally in this tight-knit community. With 63% of students coming from Wyoming and many from farming or ranching backgrounds, the campus maintains a distinctly rural character. Students who thrive here appreciate small-town living and don't mind driving an hour for big-city amenities.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 632 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	3	2
Stalking	3	2
Rape	2	2
Domestic Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–33°F
July Avg: 53°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.1"
Annual Snowfall: 42.1"

Student Demographics

Northwest College draws primarily from Wyoming and neighboring states, with 63% of its 826 students calling Wyoming home. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health sciences and education programs. The campus serves a predominantly white rural population, though Hispanic students represent nearly 10% of enrollment. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting families from working ranches and small towns rather than urban poverty. The Trappers attract students seeking affordable education close to home, with many planning to transfer or enter regional workforces after graduation.

Men: 38.9%
Women: 61.1%
White: 70.1%
Black: 0.5%
Hispanic: 9.4%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 63.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.5%

Location

Powell sits in northwest Wyoming, about 100 miles from Billings, Montana, the nearest major city. The town of roughly 6,000 residents lies in the Bighorn Basin, surrounded by mountain ranges and vast ranching country. Students at Northwest College experience true small-town living, where the campus enrollment of 826 nearly matches the local high school population. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts drawn to nearby Yellowstone National Park and the Shoshone National Forest. Powell's agricultural heritage runs deep, with sugar beet farming and cattle ranching dominating the local economy. The remote setting means limited nightlife but plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and rodeo culture. Students considering colleges in Wyoming may also compare Northwest College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Powell, Wyoming 82435-1898

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,950
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,523
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northwest College?

Northwest College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they accept all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 826 students with a focus on providing educational opportunities for rural Wyoming residents and those interested in specialized programs like rodeo.

How much does Northwest College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,394 annually at Northwest College. In-state tuition runs $4,935 while out-of-state students pay $11,235, making it an affordable option for those seeking quality education in Wyoming's remote setting.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest College?

Northwest College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on hands-on learning, particularly in their well-known rodeo and agricultural programs.

What are the employment outcomes for Northwest College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.8% employment rate, with median earnings reaching $36,950 ten years after enrollment. The college's strong connections to Wyoming's agricultural and energy industries help students transition successfully into the workforce with relatively low debt loads averaging $10,000.

Where do students live at Northwest College?

The campus houses 632 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $8,840 annually. The remote Powell location creates a tight-knit community atmosphere where 61.14% of students are women and most come from Wyoming and surrounding rural areas.

Does Northwest College have a strong athletics program?

The Trappers compete in 10 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 157 total athletes receiving $493,068 in athletic scholarships. The college is particularly famous for its rodeo program, which aligns with Wyoming's ranching culture and attracts students from across the region.