At $8,892/yr net price, Northwood Technical College graduates earn $43,406/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,406/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,892 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,406/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,406/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,525/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,397/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,284/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,558/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,166/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $57,318 | $8,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,930 | $9,167 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,313 | $9,434 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,603 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,423 | $5,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $30,228 | $13,667 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,228 | $5,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | $11,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $27,874 | $10,003 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,343 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
51.5% of students at Northwood Technical 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
Northwood Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a public two-year school, with graduates earning $43,406 annually against just $8,250 in median debt. Your debt-to-income ratio stays manageable across most programs, making this a lower-risk investment than many four-year alternatives.
Heavy equipment maintenance stands out as your strongest financial bet, with graduates earning $57,318 while carrying debt similar to other programs. Nursing also pays well at $50,930, though you'll graduate with slightly higher debt at $9,167. Both programs align well with Wisconsin's industrial and healthcare job markets.
Criminal justice presents a weaker value proposition at $38,313 in earnings against $9,434 in debt. Allied health and precision metalworking offer lower starting salaries but also carry less debt, making them decent options if you want minimal financial risk.
The 51% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk here. If you struggle with time management or need extensive academic support, you could end up with debt but no credential. This school works best if you're focused on a specific trade and can commit to completing your program.
With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your low sticker price of $8,892 annually means you're likely paying close to full cost regardless. This makes Northwood a good fit if you need workforce training without taking on substantial debt, but a poor choice if you're looking for significant financial aid to offset costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwood Technical College worth the cost?
Northwood Technical College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $8,892 per year and median debt of only $8,250. However, the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't finish.
Which programs at Northwood Technical College have the best return on investment?
Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Registered Nursing programs provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $57,318 and $50,930 respectively. These earnings justify the low tuition costs, while programs like Allied Health ($31,423) offer weaker financial outcomes.
How much debt do Northwood Technical College graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $8,250, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low debt load helps offset the modest earning potential of some programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Northwood Technical College?
Job prospects vary significantly by program, with technical fields like heavy equipment maintenance offering strong earning potential at $57,318. The overall average of $43,406 ten years after graduation is reasonable given the low cost and debt levels.