Traverse City, MI · Private University
Is Northwestern Michigan College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$38,167
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$5,350
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,762
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,048
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.99x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
16.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
24.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$5,243
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northwestern Michigan College graduates earn $6,833 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
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northwestern Michigan College ranked by graduate earnings
71 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
The Bottom Line
Northwestern Michigan College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $38,167 10 years after starting, $6,833 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 16.1 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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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.