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Muscle Shoals, AL · Private University

Is Northwest Shoals Community College Worth It?

ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data

Strong ROIRanked #1039 of 3,472 schools by ROI

Key Numbers

10-Year Earnings

$33,828

median, 10 years after enrollment

In-State Tuition

$5,071

per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$8,881

per year

Total 4-Year Cost

$35,524

tuition only (4 years)

ROI Ratio

3.81x

earnings ÷ annual tuition

Median Debt

$10,000

at graduation

Avg Net Price

$4,545

after aid & scholarships

Earnings vs. Annual Cost

10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition

Median Earnings (10yr)$33,828
Annual Tuition$8,881
National Median Earnings$45,000

Northwest Shoals Community College graduates earn $11,172 less than the national median of workers with any education level.

What You'd Actually Pay

Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income

Under $30,000$2,155/yr
$30,000 – $48,000$3,208/yr
$48,000 – $75,000$6,433/yr
$75,000 – $110,000$8,603/yr
Over $110,000$8,125/yr

Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.

The Bottom Line

Northwest Shoals Community College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $33,828 10 years after starting, $11,172 below the national median of $45,000. In-state students pay $5,071/year, significantly less than the $8,881 out-of-state rate, which substantially improves the ROI picture for state residents.

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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.