Northwest Indian College: $3,969 Tuition

$3,969Tuition

677Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,447Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Northwest Indian College

Northwest Indian College centers Native American education with programs designed to preserve Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions. This tribal college serves 677 students in Bellingham's suburban setting. Women make up 74% of the student body, and nearly 80% of students come from Washington state. The quarter system allows for intensive focus on coursework that blends Western academics with traditional Indigenous ways of knowing.

Students pay an average net price of $7,625 after financial aid, with tuition staying the same for in-state and out-of-state students at $3,969. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving low-income communities. Graduates earn a median of $35,447 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 84%, showing strong job placement despite modest earnings. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $8,082, making college accessible to those who need it most.

The college maintains an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention in small classes. Only 53% of students return for their second year, and the six-year graduation rate sits at 27%. Housing capacity is limited to 86 students, creating an intimate campus community. Two varsity sports teams compete as the Eagles, with 56 total student athletes participating.

Academics & Faculty

Northwest Indian College centers its academics around preserving and advancing Indigenous knowledge systems alongside traditional disciplines. The tribal college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing close mentorship that's essential for its culturally-centered approach. However, the 27% four-year graduation rate reflects the unique challenges many Native students face, including family obligations and economic pressures that often require stopping and starting their education. The college operates on a quarter system and emphasizes programs in natural resources, Native environmental science, and tribal governance. Faculty integrate traditional ecological knowledge with Western science methods. Students learn through both classroom instruction and hands-on experiences that connect academic content to tribal community needs and cultural practices.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.9%
Retention Rate: 53.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,447
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$35,060

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

Northwest Indian College sits in Bellingham, about 90 miles north of Seattle near the Canadian border. You'll need a good rain jacket and warm layers for the Pacific Northwest's wet winters and mild summers. The campus overlooks Bellingham Bay and offers stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Only 86 students can live on campus, so just 12% of the 677-student body stays in dorms. Most students commute from the surrounding Lummi Nation and broader region.

Weekend life centers around cultural events and outdoor activities. Students often participate in traditional ceremonies, powwows, and cultural workshops that preserve Indigenous knowledge. The nearby mountains and water offer hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. With women making up 74% of enrollment, the campus has a strong community feel. Students frequently gather for salmon bakes and other cultural celebrations that connect classroom learning with tribal traditions. The small size means everyone knows each other, creating tight bonds among the Eagles.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 86 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1979

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–45°F
July Avg: 53°–71°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.8"
Annual Snowfall: -767.3"

Student Demographics

Northwest Indian College draws students who want education rooted in Indigenous culture and knowledge. About three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the college's strong programs in education, social work, and human services. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves students from lower-income backgrounds. Four out of five students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community focused on serving local tribal nations. The student body is predominantly Native American, making this one of the few colleges where Indigenous students form the majority and can learn within their own cultural framework.

Men: 25.7%
Women: 74.3%
White: 1.8%
Black: 0.2%
Hispanic: 10.5%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 79.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 49.5%

Location

Northwest Indian College sits in Bellingham, Washington, about 90 miles north of Seattle near the Canadian border. The college serves a student body that is 79% in-state residents in this Pacific Northwest setting surrounded by mountains and Puget Sound waterways. Bellingham combines small-city charm with outdoor recreation access, from hiking trails to kayaking opportunities. The area's natural beauty reflects the college's mission of connecting Indigenous education with traditional relationships to the land. With 677 enrolled students, the campus maintains an intimate atmosphere in this region known for environmental consciousness and cultural diversity. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Northwest Indian College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bellingham, Washington 98226-9217

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,447
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,632
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,400

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Northwest Indian College?

Northwest Indian College serves primarily Native American students with an enrollment of 677 and operates as a tribal college focused on culturally-centered education. The college maintains a 53.33% retention rate and offers an intimate learning environment with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does Northwest Indian College cost after financial aid?

Northwest Indian College charges the same tuition of $3,969 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The average net price is $7,625, though families earning under $48,000 annually pay less due to need-based aid.

What academic programs is Northwest Indian College known for?

Northwest Indian College operates on a quarter system and specializes in preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditions through culturally-centered education. The college maintains small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to provide personalized attention to students.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Northwest Indian College?

Northwest Indian College has a 27.19% four-year graduation rate and a 26.90% six-year graduation rate. Graduates achieve an 84.1% employment rate with median earnings of $35,447 ten years after graduation.

What is campus life like at Northwest Indian College?

Northwest Indian College has a housing capacity of 86 students in its suburban Bellingham setting. The student body is 74.30% female and 79% in-state students, creating a close-knit community atmosphere with only 56 total athletes across 2 varsity sports.

How does Northwest Indian College serve Native American students specifically?

Northwest Indian College was founded in 1979 as a tribal college dedicated to serving Native American students and preserving Indigenous knowledge. With 1.77% white students and a focus on culturally-centered education, the college provides a unique educational environment that honors tribal traditions and values.