Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 24.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.9%
- Retention Rate
- 81.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,167
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $133/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $105,306 | $24,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,244 | $17,227 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $13,375 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $30,409 | $11,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,358 | $9,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Northwestern Michigan College graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $12,500 creates monthly payments of just $133, consuming only 4.2% of typical graduate income. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 ranks well below national averages for community colleges. The college's focus on practical programs like maritime technology, nursing, and aviation connects directly to northern Michigan's tourism and healthcare industries. Graduates earn $38,167 ten years out, reflecting the regional job market and technical career paths. With 96% employment rates and low debt burdens, most students can comfortably manage their loan obligations while building careers in specialized fields. This represents a strong return on investment for career-focused education.