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Colleges / MI / Traverse City
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Northwestern Michigan College

Public Traverse City, MI · Urban · Great Lakes · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
25%
Graduation Rate
$38,167
Earnings (10yr)
$6,231
Net Price
2,813
Enrollment

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Overview

With an enrollment of around 2,813 students, Northwestern Michigan College is a solid choice for those seeking a community-focused educational experience. It's particularly well-suited for individuals interested in practical fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Culinary Arts, and Humanities. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills they need for today’s workforce. The small college atmosphere promotes close connections with faculty and fellow students, which can be a significant advantage for those who thrive in collaborative settings.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $38,167 within ten years. This figure suggests a pathway to stable employment, especially for those who engage deeply in their studies and take advantage of internships or practical experiences. With a graduation rate of 25%, it’s clear that while the journey may be challenging, those who succeed will find opportunities to advance. Additionally, affordability is a key point; the net price for attending is around $6,231, making it accessible for many students.

When it comes to financial considerations, the median debt load stands at $12,500, which is manageable for many graduates, especially given the earnings potential. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who may need it. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage with their community, seeking hands-on experiences that can enrich their education and career prospects. This practical approach can lead to a fulfilling college experience and a successful transition into the workforce.

Rankings

How Northwestern Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation25%Earnings 10yr$38KNet Price$6KRetention84%Median Debt$13KPell Grant Rate30%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$5K$0-30K$3K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$12K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1040.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1025.1%MOBILITY106.64%

Cost & Financial Aid

$5,860
In-State Tuition
$13,476
Out-of-State
$6,231
Avg Net Price
$12,500
Median Debt
30%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$5,237
Family Income $0–$30K
$3,168
Family Income $30K–$48K
$7,568
Family Income $48K–$75K
$11,630
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$34,918
6 Years After Entry
$36,925
8 Years
$38,167
10 Years
0.33x
Debt-to-Earnings
45%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$34,918 6yr $36,925 8yr $38,167 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

106.64%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1025.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1040.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$69,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.22
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 84%
Full-Time Faculty 43%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,057
Diversity Index 0.41
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Humanities 40%
Health Professions 19%
Transportation 14%
Business & Marketing 5%
Culinary & Personal Services 3%
Computer Science & IT 3%
Criminal Justice 3%
Construction Trades 2%