At $12,357/yr net price, Northwest Iowa Community College graduates earn $50,776/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,776/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,357 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,776/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,776/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,399/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,168/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,764/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,932/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,114/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $66,756 | $5,500 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $64,493 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $58,673 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,439 | $12,828 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $48,432 | $11,990 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,937 | $11,326 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,739 | $7,800 |
The Risk Factor
55.0% of students at Northwest Iowa Community 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 Iowa Community College gives you a strong financial return for a two-year public school. You leave with a median debt of $9,500 and earn a median of $50,776 ten years out, meaning your first-year salary roughly wipes out your total borrowing. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the core of why this school works.
The electrical and power fields are where the money is. The electrical and power transmission certificate pushes past $66,000 while costing you only $5,500 in debt, which is the best trade on the entire list. The associate versions in electrical engineering technology and electrical maintenance also clear $48,000 and up. If you want line work or electrical technician jobs, this is a clear payoff.
Nursing pays about $50,000 but carries the heaviest debt on the list at over $12,800, so your net gain lags the electrical tracks. It still lands you a solid regional salary. you just borrow more to get there.
The financial risk here is narrow program depth. Every top-earning program is in electrical trades or nursing. If those fields don't fit you, the listed data can't tell you what you'll earn, and a 55% graduation rate means nearly half of you don't finish. Dropping out with even partial debt and no credential is the main way this school stops paying off.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least, around $8,000 to $9,400 a year. The cost climbs above $14,000 once household income passes $75,000. The jump between the middle and upper tiers is steep, so higher-earning families should expect close to full sticker.
Go here if you want electrical trades or nursing and plan to finish. Look elsewhere if your field isn't on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Iowa Community College worth the cost?
Northwest Iowa Community College offers decent value with a net price of $12,357 and median debt of just $9,500. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying programs at Northwest Iowa Community College?
Electrical and power transmission programs at Northwest Iowa Community College lead earnings at $58,000-$67,000 annually. Nursing graduates earn around $50,000, while electrical maintenance technology pays $48,000.
How much debt do Northwest Iowa Community College graduates have?
Northwest Iowa Community College graduates have a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With typical earnings of $50,776 after 10 years, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Does Northwest Iowa Community College have good job placement rates?
While specific job placement data isn't available, Northwest Iowa Community College's electrical programs show strong earning potential above $58,000. The 55% graduation rate suggests completion challenges that could affect job outcomes.