Northwood Technical College: $4,524 Tuition

$4,524Tuition

2,026Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,406Earnings

#10 in WisconsinPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Northwood Technical College

Northwood Technical College trains students for Wisconsin's workforce through hands-on programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The school serves 2,026 students in Rice Lake, a small town in the state's northern lakes region. Students work closely with faculty in a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio that emphasizes personalized attention. The college has built strong partnerships with local employers who actively recruit graduates.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,525 annually after financial aid, while those from higher-income families face steeper costs up to $13,166. Graduates earn a median of $43,406 ten years after completing their programs. With typical debt loads of just $8,250 and monthly loan payments of $87, most graduates can manage their obligations. The investment pays off quickly for students who complete their programs and enter the workforce.

The student body is 62% female, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and healthcare programs. Nearly 89% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college boasts a 95.6% employment rate for graduates, meaning almost everyone finds work in their field. About half of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for working adults who often attend part-time.

Academics & Faculty

Northwood Technical College focuses on hands-on career training that gets students into the workforce fast. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors can provide individual attention in labs and workshops. About 52% of students complete their programs within six years, which is solid for a technical college where many students balance work and family obligations. The school is known for its nursing, diesel technology, and manufacturing programs that connect directly to regional employers. Nearly 96% of graduates find employment, reflecting strong industry partnerships. Women make up 62% of enrollment, largely due to popular health science programs. Students gain practical skills that lead to immediate career opportunities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 25.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,406

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Certificate	$57,318
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,930
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$38,313
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$34,603
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$31,423
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$30,228
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$30,228
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$29,685
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$27,874
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$27,343

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Rice Lake sits in northern Wisconsin's lake country, about two hours northeast of Minneapolis. The town of 8,400 feels remote during Wisconsin's long winters, when temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow blankets the campus from November through March. Most of Northwood's 2,026 students commute to campus rather than live in dorms, reflecting the school's role as a regional workforce pipeline. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on learning happens in small groups, whether you're in the welding lab or nursing simulation center.

Weekends revolve around outdoor activities when weather permits. Students fish the nearby lakes, hunt in surrounding forests, or head to local bars and restaurants downtown. Winter means ice fishing, snowmobiling, and indoor gatherings. The 95.6% employment rate reflects strong connections with local employers who actively recruit graduates. With 62% of students being women, many programs like healthcare and business services have shifted the traditional technical college demographic. The campus culture emphasizes practical skills over social events, matching the no-nonsense character of northern Wisconsin's working communities.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 1°–20°F
July Avg: 58°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.0"
Annual Snowfall: -723.9"

Student Demographics

Northwood Technical College draws students serious about hands-on careers, with 89% coming from Wisconsin. The school serves working-class families well, as nearly one-third receive Pell Grants. Women make up 62% of enrollment, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and business fields that traditionally attract female students. The college has built a solid regional reputation for technical training that leads directly to employment. Most students are white and from smaller Wisconsin communities, creating a close-knit campus culture focused on practical skills rather than traditional college experiences.

Men: 37.9%
Women: 62.1%
White: 85.6%
Black: 2.6%
Hispanic: 3.7%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 88.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.0%

Location

Northwood Technical College sits in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, about 100 miles northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The town of roughly 8,500 people serves as a regional center in northwestern Wisconsin's lake country. Rice Lake gets its name from the wild rice that once grew abundantly in the area's wetlands. With 88.93% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Wisconsin's rural communities and small towns. The surrounding Barron County features forests, lakes, and agricultural land typical of northern Wisconsin. Students often hunt, fish, and enjoy outdoor recreation between classes. The area maintains a strong blue-collar work ethic that aligns well with the college's technical training mission. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Northwood Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,406
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,020
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwood Technical College?

Northwood Technical College maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,026 students enrolled. This hands-on approach reflects the school's focus on practical career training in technical fields. The small class sizes allow for personalized instruction in specialized programs.

How much does Northwood Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Northwood Technical College is $8,892 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,525 net price, making technical education accessible. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, keeping debt manageable with a median of $8,250.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Northwood Technical College?

Northwood Technical College boasts a 95.6% employment rate for graduates. The median earnings reach $43,406 within 10 years of graduation. This strong job placement reflects the school's reputation for training students in high-demand technical fields.

Does Northwood Technical College have a diverse student body?

The student body at Northwood Technical College is 62.14% women and 85.59% white. Nearly 89% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The gender split reflects growing female participation in technical career fields.

Where is Northwood Technical College located and what is the setting like?

Northwood Technical College sits in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, a remote town setting. This rural location provides affordable living while students focus on intensive technical training. The small-town environment fosters close relationships between students and faculty.

What is the graduation rate at Northwood Technical College?

Northwood Technical College has a 51.5% six-year graduation rate. This reflects the challenge many technical students face balancing work and education. The school's focus on job-ready skills means many students enter the workforce before completing all coursework.