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$4,578Tuition
1,037Students
47%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,004Earnings
#23 in OhioPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Northwest State Community College

Northwest State Community College serves rural northwest Ohio with career-focused programs that get students working quickly. The college enrolls 1,037 students in a tight-knit campus environment where healthcare, manufacturing, and business programs dominate. Students here aren't looking for the traditional college experience, they want skills that translate directly to jobs in the region's agricultural and industrial economy.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $13,696 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $4,578. Graduates earn a median of $40,004 ten years after starting, which works out reasonably well against the typical debt load of $9,750. Monthly loan payments average just $103, making this an affordable path to steady employment. The 95.6% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.

Nearly all students come from Ohio (99.09%), reflecting the college's role as a local workforce pipeline. The student body splits almost evenly between men (48.12%) and women (51.88%), with 71.46% identifying as white. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay focused on practical skills rather than academic theory. This is community college education doing exactly what it should, preparing local students for local jobs.

Academics & Faculty

Northwest State focuses on career-ready programs that serve rural Ohio's workforce needs. The college built its reputation around healthcare training, manufacturing technology, and business programs that connect directly to local employers. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to instructors despite the community college structure. The 47% graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing two-year programs while balancing jobs and family obligations. Students earn a median of $40,004 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid earning potential for associate degree holders in rural Ohio. The college's semester system allows flexibility for students who need to work while studying.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Graduation Rate (6-year)
46.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,004

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $49,136
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $38,289
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. Certificate $38,289
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $38,289
Ground Transportation. Certificate $38,289
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $35,142
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $35,060
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $31,762
Computer Programming. Certificate $29,685
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $28,381

View all 77 programs →

Campus Life

Rural Archbold sits about 50 miles southwest of Toledo, surrounded by Ohio farmland where winter coats are essential from November through March. Northwest State operates as a true commuter school where 99.09% of students come from in-state, mostly driving from nearby small towns each day. The campus feels intimate with just 1,037 students spread across practical buildings designed for hands-on learning.

Students here focus on getting job-ready quickly rather than traditional college social scenes. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for instructors to know your name. Most students balance coursework with part-time jobs in the area's manufacturing plants or healthcare facilities. Weekends often mean heading home to family rather than campus activities. The 95.6% employment rate reflects the school's no-nonsense approach to career preparation. Students typically graduate with $9,750 in debt and monthly loan payments around $103, making this an affordable path to middle-class careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and business that anchor northwest Ohio's economy.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1968

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–33°F
July Avg
63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
36.6"
Annual Snowfall
29.3"

Student Demographics

Northwest State draws overwhelmingly from rural northwest Ohio, with 99% of students coming from in-state. The college serves as an educational lifeline for farming communities and small towns in this agricultural region. Students are nearly evenly split between men and women, reflecting the school's mix of healthcare programs that traditionally attract women and manufacturing training that draws more men. Only 11% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families who earn just above federal aid thresholds but still need affordable education options.
Men
48.1%
Women
51.9%
White
71.5%
Black
1.7%
Hispanic
12.4%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
99.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
11.2%

Location

Northwest State Community College sits in Archbold, Ohio, a small town about 50 miles southwest of Toledo. The campus serves rural northwest Ohio, where 99.09% of students come from in-state. Archbold lies in Fulton County's agricultural heartland, surrounded by corn and soybean fields that stretch to the horizon. The area reflects traditional Midwest farming communities, with German and Swiss heritage visible throughout the region. Small-town life defines the experience here, far from urban distractions. The college draws students from farming families and rural communities seeking practical career training. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Northwest State Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Archbold, Ohio 43502-9542
Northwest State Community College overview
Northwest State Community College overview

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,004
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,447
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,800
Loan Repayment Rate
42.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$103/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Northwest State Community College?

Northwest State Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, serving 1,037 students in rural northwest Ohio. The college focuses on providing accessible education to local residents, with 99.09% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Northwest State Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Northwest State pay an average net price of $13,696 annually, though this varies by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,449 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $17,468.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest State Community College?

Northwest State maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which is higher than many four-year institutions but typical for community colleges. The college is known for practical programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and business that prepare students for local industry needs.

What are the graduation outcomes at Northwest State Community College?

The college achieves a 46.70% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $40,004 ten years after enrollment. With an employment rate of 95.6%, the school effectively connects students to jobs in rural northwest Ohio's economy.

Where is Northwest State Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Archbold, Ohio, a rural-distant community that shapes the tight-knit campus culture. With just 1,037 total students and a nearly even gender split of 48.12% men and 51.88% women, students experience a small-town college environment.

Does Northwest State Community College offer good value for students with limited financial aid?

Only 11.22% of students receive Pell Grants or institutional aid, suggesting most students pay close to the sticker price. However, graduates carry a manageable median debt of $9,750 with monthly loan payments of just $103, making it an affordable option for career training.