At $5,243/yr net price, Northwestern Michigan College graduates earn $38,167/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,167/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,243 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,167/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,167/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,569/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,620/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,964/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,422/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,821/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
24.9% of students at Northwestern Michigan College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northwestern Michigan College gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff for most paths. Net price sits low across the board, and median debt at graduation stays manageable enough that you won't be buried after leaving. But the median earnings figure a decade out tells you most degrees here lead to regional Traverse City wages that stay flat, not to high-paying careers.
The clear outlier is Marine Transportation. It pays roughly $105,000 a decade out, nearly triple the school-wide median, and the extra debt tied to it is easily justified by that return. If you can get into and finish that program, this school is a strong financial bet. No other program listed here comes close, so treat that number as specific to one narrow track, not a promise for the rest of the catalog.
The biggest risk is completion. A graduation rate under 25% means most people who enroll don't finish. Retention is much higher, so you show up for year two, but something breaks between there and a credential. If you borrow, start a program, and leave without the degree, you carry debt with none of the earnings upside. That gap is the real financial danger here.
Net price actually rises with income at this school. If your family earns under $48k, you pay less than $4,000 a year, which makes this one of the cheaper ways to start a degree in Michigan. Above $110k, you pay more than double that. Either way the sticker stays low.
This school fits you if you want a cheap two years, a transfer path, or a shot at Marine Transportation. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree that reliably lifts your earnings, since the data here doesn't show that outcome outside one program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern Michigan College worth the cost?
Northwestern Michigan College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,243 per year and modest debt levels around $12,500. However, the 25% graduation rate is concerning and may limit your ability to complete your degree.
What are the highest paying programs at Northwestern Michigan College?
Marine Transportation leads with $105,306 in median earnings, followed by nursing programs at $49,244. Most other programs like culinary arts and criminal justice produce lower earnings in the $28,000-$30,000 range.
How much debt will I have after Northwestern Michigan College?
Median debt is $12,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the job market like for Northwestern Michigan College graduates?
Graduate earnings average $38,167 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost. Success depends heavily on your program choice, with marine and nursing fields offering much better prospects than general studies.