At $7,394/yr net price, Northwest College graduates earn $36,950/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,950/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,394 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,950/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,950/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,904/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,056/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,598/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,019/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 | $50,439 | $17,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,846 | $6,500 |
The Risk Factor
43.8% of students at Northwest 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
Northwest College delivers strong value with its $7,394 annual net price, but the 44% graduation rate signals significant academic risk. Your investment pays off only if you complete your degree and choose the right program.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $50,439 in median earnings despite $17,000 in debt. This program justifies the investment and positions you well in Wyoming's healthcare job market. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn just $20,140 annually, making this program financially questionable. Liberal Arts majors face the weakest prospects at $17,846 in earnings, though their lower $6,500 debt load reduces the financial damage.
The biggest risk at Northwest College is not graduating. With nearly six out of ten students failing to complete their programs, you could accumulate debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. Wyoming's limited job market compounds this risk, particularly for graduates in non-technical fields.
This school works best if you plan to study nursing or need an affordable starting point for your education. The low net price makes it viable for students seeking basic credentials before transferring or entering the workforce. However, you should look elsewhere if you want programs with stronger earning potential or higher graduation rates.
Only 18% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price without additional assistance. Merit scholarships appear limited, but the base cost remains manageable for most Wyoming residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northwest College offers a relatively low net price of $7,394 per year, making it affordable compared to most four-year institutions. However, graduates earn a median of $36,950 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest College?
Nursing programs at Northwest College provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $50,439 annually. Liberal arts and design programs show significantly lower earning potential at $17,846 and $20,140 respectively.
How much debt do Northwest College students typically graduate with?
Northwest College graduates have a median debt of $10,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earning potential for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest College and does it affect ROI?
Northwest College has a 43.8% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate represents a significant financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.