At $13,696/yr net price, Northwest State Community College graduates earn $40,004/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,004/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,696 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,004/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,004/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,449/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,620/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,783/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,862/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,468/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,136 | $13,931 |
| 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 | $8,959 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
46.7% of students at Northwest State 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 State Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with graduates earning a median $40,004 annually against relatively low debt loads. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $49,136 in median earnings with manageable debt of $13,931.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Nursing graduates earn 23% more than the overall median, making this program one of the stronger community college investments in Ohio. The technical programs in computer technology, transportation, industrial equipment maintenance, and precision metalworking all cluster around $38,289 in earnings, putting them slightly below the school median but still reasonable given the lower barriers to entry.
The main financial risk lies in the 46.70% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students never complete their programs. If you struggle with completion, you could end up with debt but no credential. The low 11.22% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based support, though this also indicates many students can afford the costs without extensive borrowing.
Northwest State works best financially if you target nursing or enter with clear career goals in the technical fields. The school serves northwestern Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors well, but you should verify job availability in your specific area. Avoid this school if you need significant financial aid or lack direction about your career path, as the completion challenges could leave you worse off financially than when you started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest State Community College worth the cost?
Northwest State offers reasonable value with low debt ($9,750 median) and a net price of $13,696 annually. However, the 47% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and median earnings of $40,004 after 10 years are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest State Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $49,136 median earnings, while technical fields like precision metalworking, heavy equipment maintenance, and IT administration all produce around $38,289. These skilled trades programs offer the strongest return on investment at Northwest State.
How much debt do Northwest State Community College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $9,750, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. This low debt burden helps offset the relatively modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest State Community College?
Only 47% of students graduate from Northwest State, meaning over half don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially if you're considering less marketable programs.