At $7,625/yr net price, Northwest Indian College graduates earn $35,447/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,447/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,625 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,447/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,447/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,082/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,289/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,544/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
26.9% of students at Northwest Indian College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northwest Indian College presents a financially challenging picture with weak returns across most measures. The $35,447 median earnings after ten years barely justify even the relatively low $7,625 annual net price, especially when you factor in the 26.9% graduation rate that leaves nearly three-quarters of students without completing their degrees.
Your biggest financial risk here is not graduating at all. The 53% retention rate means nearly half of students leave after freshman year, likely carrying debt without the credential to show for it. If you do graduate, the Liberal Arts and Sciences program generates $35,060 in median earnings, which provides modest returns given the low cost of attendance but falls well below national averages for college graduates.
This school makes financial sense primarily for students who qualify for significant need-based aid and have strong personal reasons for attending a tribal college. The 49% of students receiving financial aid suggests substantial support is available for those who qualify. You should also consider this option if you plan to pursue graduate school or professional programs where the undergraduate degree serves as a stepping stone rather than your terminal credential.
Skip Northwest Indian College if you need strong earning potential from your bachelor's degree alone or lack the academic preparation to persist through graduation. The low retention and graduation rates indicate many students struggle to complete programs here. Your financial aid package will be critical to determining whether this represents a reasonable investment in your education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Indian College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northwest Indian College has a low net price at $7,625 per year, but graduates earn only $35,447 ten years after enrollment. The combination of a 27% graduation rate and below-average earnings makes the financial return questionable for most students.
What programs at Northwest Indian College offer the best return on investment?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Northwest Indian College earn around $35,060, which is modest given the program focus. The school's limited program offerings mean fewer high-paying career paths compared to larger institutions.
How much debt do Northwest Indian College students typically graduate with?
While the low net price of $7,625 per year keeps debt manageable, only 27% of students actually graduate from Northwest Indian College. Students who don't finish still carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings.
Do Northwest Indian College graduates earn enough to justify the investment?
At $35,447 in median earnings ten years out, Northwest Indian College graduates earn less than the national average. The low graduation rate means many students invest time and money without completing their degree.