About Northwest Florida State College
The financial picture here makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $5,554 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying just $2,595. Graduates earn a median of $39,664 ten years after enrollment while carrying typical debt of only $7,932. Monthly loan payments average $84, making this one of the more manageable debt loads in higher education. The 93.3% employment rate shows most graduates find work quickly.
Women make up 61.26% of the student body, reflecting national trends in community college enrollment. The Raiders compete in four NJCAA sports with 72 total athletes sharing $1.4 million in athletic scholarships. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for a public institution.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 29.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,664
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,747 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,984 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,009 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $36,745 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,745 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,381 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,960 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,958 |
Campus Life
Most students commute from nearby towns since this is primarily a two-year institution focused on career training and university transfer preparation. Weekend life revolves around the Emerald Coast's beaches rather than campus parties. You'll need sunscreen year-round but rarely a heavy coat - winter lows rarely drop below 40 degrees. The Raiders compete in four NJCAA sports with just 72 total athletes, so athletics take a backseat to academics. Students often work part-time jobs while attending, contributing to the college's strong 93% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–61°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 73.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.7%
- Women
- 61.3%
- White
- 62.5%
- Black
- 9.9%
- Hispanic
- 13.3%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 64.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.9%
Location
- Address
- Niceville, Florida 32578-1295
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,664
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,816
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $84/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,932
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process like at Northwest Florida State College?
Northwest Florida State College operates with an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The school serves 3,193 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the Florida Panhandle region. Students can begin their college journey here regardless of their high school GPA or test scores.
How much does Northwest Florida State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,554 per year, with in-state tuition at just $3,246. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,595 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Florida. Only 21.87% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's already low base costs.
What academic programs is Northwest Florida State College known for?
The college maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio and specializes in career-focused programs alongside university transfer pathways. Students can choose from strong technical and professional programs designed to meet local workforce needs. The school serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Northwest Florida State College?
The college achieves a 42.90% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $39,664 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 93.3%, demonstrating strong job placement success. Graduates typically leave with just $7,932 in median debt and monthly loan payments of only $84.
Where is Northwest Florida State College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Niceville, a mid-sized suburban community in the Florida Panhandle that offers a safe, family-friendly environment. Women make up 61.26% of the student body, while 64.71% of students come from within Florida. The Raiders compete in NJCAA athletics with four varsity sports and 72 total athletes.
How does Northwest Florida State College support military families?
The college sits near Eglin Air Force Base, making it a popular choice for military families and veterans seeking education in the area. Founded in 1963, it has long served the unique needs of this military-heavy region of Florida. The affordable tuition and flexible programs make it accessible for service members using military education benefits.
