At $9,847/yr net price, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College graduates earn $32,503/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,847 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,503/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,497/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,710/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,568/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,510/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,683 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,521 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $20,824 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $19,045 | |
| Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies. | Certificate | $17,363 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $16,786 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $15,922 |
The Risk Factor
73.0% of students at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College delivers solid returns for students who pick the right programs. With a net price under $10,000 annually, the school keeps costs manageable while preparing graduates for Louisiana's industrial job market.
Electromechanical Instrumentation stands out as the financial winner, with graduates earning nearly $50,000 annually. This aligns perfectly with the region's petrochemical and manufacturing base, where companies pay premium wages for skilled technicians. Ground Transportation and Practical Nursing also provide strong returns, with earnings well above the school's median.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair presents a financial red flag. At just over $20,000 annually, these graduates earn barely double the poverty line despite completing a technical program. Electrical and Power Transmission Installers also underperform given the specialized training required.
You face geographic constraints with this school. The programs are designed for Louisiana's industrial corridor, and moving elsewhere may limit your earning potential. The 73% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, but nearly half require financial aid to afford even this low-cost option.
This school makes financial sense if you want hands-on technical training for regional industries and can target the higher-paying programs. Choose electromechanical, transportation, or nursing programs to maximize your investment. Avoid automotive programs unless you have specific career reasons beyond earnings. The low sticker price means you can afford to be selective about majors without accumulating significant debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,847 per year and average earnings of $32,503 ten years after graduation, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College offers decent value for technical training. The 73% graduation rate is solid, though your return depends heavily on which program you choose.
Which programs at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College have the best job prospects?
Electromechanical Instrumentation pays the best at $49,683 annually, followed by Ground Transportation at $38,289. Avoid programs like Vehicle Maintenance, which only pays $20,824 despite similar training costs.
How much debt do Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College graduates typically have?
At $9,847 per year for a typical two-year program, total costs around $20,000 are manageable compared to four-year schools. Students who pick higher-paying programs like instrumentation can pay off debt relatively quickly.
Does Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College provide good financial aid?
The $9,847 net price suggests decent financial aid availability since community college sticker prices are typically lower. However, this is still the amount students pay after aid, so budget accordingly for living expenses and materials.