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 gives you a low sticker price and low earnings to match. The net price sits at $7,625 a year, but median earnings ten years out land at $35,447 , below what many workers with only a high school diploma make in Washington State. The financial return here is weak on paper, and you should go in knowing that.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Just over a quarter of students graduate, and barely half come back for a second year. If you borrow and then leave without a credential, you carry the debt with none of the earnings bump. That completion gap is the single largest financial threat at this school, and it outweighs the modest price.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point you toward a major that pays off or steer you away from one that doesn't. Treat any specific program's payoff as unknown until you see real numbers for it.
The net price tiers reward the lowest-income families in an odd way. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $8,082. if you earn $30-48k, you pay only $3,289. but at $48-75k you jump to $10,544. The middle-income tier gets the worst deal here, so run your actual aid offer before assuming this school is cheap for you.
This school fits you if you're tied to its tribal mission and community and value staying local over maximizing salary. If your main goal is a strong financial return, the low earnings and low graduation rate mean you should compare offers elsewhere before committing.
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.