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 gives you a low-risk financial bet. Median debt sits under $10,000, and with median earnings around $40,000 ten years out, you can pay off what you borrow without wrecking your budget. The debt-to-earnings math here works in your favor, which is the whole point of a two-year public college.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate nursing track earns close to $50,000, roughly $11,000 more than the next programs, and even though nursing students carry more debt than average for this school, the earnings gap covers it fast. Computer/information technology and the skilled-trade certificates (heavy equipment, precision metal working, ground transportation) all land near $38,000. Those certificates cost less time and money than a degree, so their return per dollar is strong if you finish. That last part matters: the 46.70% graduation rate means fewer than half of you cross the finish line, and a certificate or degree you don't complete just leaves you with debt and no credential.
The regional fit is practical. These programs feed manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation employers in northwest Ohio, so the earnings numbers reflect real local demand, not a national average that won't apply to you.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay around $11,500 a year, while families over $110,000 pay closer to $17,500. That $6,000 spread is a meaningful discount at the bottom of the income scale.
This school fits you if you want nursing, a specific trade, or IT and plan to actually finish. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about your program or want a field not on this list, since the payoff here is tied tightly to completing one of these credentials.
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.