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Public, 2-year

Northeastern Junior College

Sterling, Colorado · www.njc.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$8,267

In-state $5,730

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,684

Student-faculty ratio 18:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

53.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 54.3%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Northeastern Junior College (NJC), located in Sterling, Colorado, is a prominent institution that offers a diverse range of academic programs and a supportive learning environment. Established in 1941, NJC has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality education to its students. The college features a variety of associate degree programs and certificates that cater to different interests, including fields like healthcare, agriculture, business, and technology. This breadth of programs ensures that students can find their niche and prepare effectively for their future careers or further studies at four-year institutions.

The campus culture at Northeastern Junior College is characterized by a strong sense of community and engagement. The college emphasizes student involvement through various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The NJC logo, paired with the school’s motto "In Pursuit of Excellence," encapsulates the institution's dedication to helping students achieve their personal and academic goals. The college boasts modern facilities and resources, including well-equipped classrooms, labs, and recreational areas, which enhance the learning experience. With a focus on student support services, including academic advising and counseling, NJC strives to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed. The strong faculty-student relationships cultivated at NJC further enrich the educational journey, making it a well-rounded institution for aspiring learners.

Analysis of Key Trends in Northeastern Junior College Data

Northeastern Junior College has shown significant trends over the years, particularly in tuition rates, graduation rates, student retention, and the student-to-faculty ratio.

Firstly, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased steadily from $3,443 in 2014 to $5,582 in 2024. This 62% rise may pose challenges for students and their families, especially in the context of rising living costs and economic uncertainty. This trend highlights the ongoing concern regarding the affordability of higher education in the United States, which has been a focal point in recent discussions about educational policy and student debt.

In terms of graduation rates, there has been a notable improvement in the timely graduation rate for undergraduate students, which increased from approximately 24% in 2013 to 45.5% in 2023. This upward trend suggests that the college may be implementing effective strategies to support student success and completion, which is crucial for enhancing the institution's reputation and attracting new students.

Moreover, the retention rate has also seen a positive trajectory, increasing from 53.3% in 2013 to about 67.7% in 2023. This improvement indicates that more students are choosing to remain at the institution, which can be a strong indicator of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. Retention is vital for maintaining enrollment numbers and ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 15 to 24 students per faculty member over the years. A lower ratio generally suggests more personalized attention for students, contributing positively to their academic experience.

Overall, these trends at Northeastern Junior College reflect broader national issues in higher education regarding affordability, student support, and institutional effectiveness. Monitoring these metrics will be important for future strategic planning and resource allocation to ensure continued improvement and student satisfaction.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Denver, about 110 mi
Nearest international airport
Denver International Airport (DEN), about 90 mi
Sterling, Colorado
Also known as
NJC, Northeastern, Northeastern Jr College, NE Jr College, Northeastern Colorado, Northeastern Jr Co, Northeastern Community College, Northeast Jr College, Northeast, NE, NEJC, NE JC, NEJUCO, NE JU CO, NEJRCO, Northeastern Sterling, Northeastern JC, Sterling Junior College, North Eastern
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Michael White (President)
Phone
9705216600
City
Sterling, Colorado
Address
100 College Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751-2944

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate20314 international (6.9%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
33
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
27
Business/Commerce, General
22
General Studies
14
Agricultural Business and Management, General
12
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
9
Animal Sciences, General
8
Fire Science/Fire-fighting
8
Business Administration and Management, General
7
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Northeastern Junior College

The graduation data from Northeastern Junior College paints a stark picture of the educational landscape for the year 2023. Notably, all programs listed have only awarded associate degrees, with no graduates receiving bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. This trend suggests a strong focus on vocational and technical education at the institution, particularly in fields such as nursing, automotive mechanics, and welding.

The highest number of graduates was in the field of general studies, with 80 students completing their associate degree, followed by nursing assistant programs with 20 graduates. Such results indicate a significant demand for foundational skills that align well with entry-level job opportunities in various sectors.

Interestingly, the data shows a complete absence of international students graduating from these programs, which may reflect broader trends in international education, particularly the effects of the pandemic and changing visa regulations that have impacted student mobility. Additionally, programs like emergency medical technology and early childhood education are crucial fields, yet they show no graduates, raising questions about enrollment and student support in these areas.

Overall, the lack of diversity in graduation types and the absence of international graduates highlight both the strengths and challenges faced by Northeastern Junior College. The institution appears well-positioned to serve local workforce needs through its associate programs, yet the lack of higher degree offerings may limit opportunities for students seeking advanced education. This scenario underscores the importance of strategic planning to enhance program offerings and attract a more diverse student body.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 74 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
General Studies.-
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.-
Agricultural has 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agricultural Business and Management, General.-
Agricultural Production Operations, General.-
Crop Production.-
Equestrian/Equine Studies.-
Animal Sciences, General.-
Businesshas 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Educationhas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Agricultural Teacher Education.-
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.-
Homeland security has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General.-
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-
Health professionshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,952
Mechanic and repair has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Precision production has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Engineering technologieshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.-
Psychology has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Biologyhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Social sciencehas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sociology, General.-

Students

1,684 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 72.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,684)

White
1,215 · 72.1%
Hispanic
291 · 17.3%
International
61 · 3.6%
Unknown
46 · 2.7%
Two or more races
36 · 2.1%
Black
21 · 1.2%
Asian
7 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
18.9%
18–19
29.8%
20–21
12.8%
22–24
4.3%
25 and over
34.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Northeastern Junior College in 2023

The demographic composition of students at Northeastern Junior College in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding the enrollment of different categories of students. Among the freshman class, there are 294 students, with a nearly even gender ratio of 51% male and 49% female. This indicates a healthy balance among new undergraduate students, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment.

In contrast, the sophomore class is notably larger, consisting of 470 students, but exhibits a significant gender disparity, with only 36.4% being male and 63.6% female. This shift could reflect broader trends in higher education, where female students increasingly outnumber male students at many institutions. Such trends may influence campus culture and require attention to ensure all students feel represented and supported.

The transfer student population is relatively small, with 63 students, and displays a more balanced gender ratio of 42.9% male and 57.1% female. This suggests that while the transfer numbers are lower, efforts may be needed to attract a more diverse group of students in terms of gender.

Lastly, the total number of non-degree seeking students is the highest at 619, where only 26.8% are male and a significant 73.2% are female. This large female majority may indicate that non-degree programs are more appealing to women, which raises questions about the accessibility and attractiveness of these programs for men.

Overall, these demographic insights highlight the need for continued efforts to promote gender equity across all student categories while also considering the implications of these trends for campus policies and support services.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Northeastern Junior College

The age demographic data from Northeastern Junior College reveals interesting trends in the student population. The largest group of students is represented by those under 18, comprising 39.0% of the total student body. This significant percentage indicates a strong presence of younger students, likely reflecting the college's appeal to high school graduates or dual-enrollment programs.

As students age, the numbers begin to decrease sharply. For instance, in the 18-19 age bracket, we see another large cohort, accounting for 36.5% of the total enrollment. However, the numbers start to dwindle in the next age categories, with only 8.3% of students aged 20-21 and a further decline in the 22-24 age group, which comprises merely 3.4%. This trend suggests that the college may be less attractive to older students or that many students transition to four-year institutions after their initial college experience.

Interestingly, there is a notable gender gap in the younger age categories, where females outnumber males in the under 18 and 18-19 brackets. This could point to varying educational engagement levels between genders at this age, a trend observed in many educational institutions across the country.

Moreover, the data shows that older age groups, particularly those aged 40 and above, also have a significant female presence, which might indicate a return to education or career advancement opportunities for women.

Overall, the data illustrates a young and predominantly female student body, highlighting trends that could inform future recruitment strategies and support services at Northeastern Junior College.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.6%

61 in 2025 · 1.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.3%2017: 2.3%2018: 3.9%2019: 3.5%2020: 3.2%2021: 2.0%2022: 3.2%2023: 3.9%2024: 3.9%2025: 3.6%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northeastern Junior College

The data on international student enrollment at Northeastern Junior College reveals significant trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students has seen a downward trend, dropping from 3,077 to 1,446. However, despite this decline in total enrollment, the number of international students has varied, showcasing a notable increase in their representation in recent years.

In 2004, the proportion of international students was a mere 0.26%. Fast forward to 2023, this figure has surged to an impressive 3.94%. This growth indicates a gradual shift in the college's appeal to international students, possibly influenced by factors such as improved academic programs, increased support services for foreigners, and a more inclusive campus environment.

The peak in international student enrollment occurred in 2018, where they comprised 3.88% of the undergraduate population, highlighting a period of significant interest. This momentum continued into 2019 and 2020, despite the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which typically led to declines in international student numbers across many institutions. The resilience shown in maintaining enrollment levels during challenging times signals the college's commitment to attracting a diverse student body.

Overall, the increasing percentage of international students at Northeastern Junior College reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse student population. This trend is likely to continue as the world becomes more interconnected and the demand for global education rises.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$16,495

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$8,267
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,730
Room and board
$8,228
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 57% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 25%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$32.6M

Government grants and contracts
$6.1M18.8%
Tuition and fees
$5.0M15.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.6M11.0%
Gifts and private grants
$609K1.9%
Investment return
$189K0.6%
Sales and services of educational activities
$41K0.1%
Other
$17.0M52.1%

Expenses$24.9M

Instruction
$8.2M32.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.8M15.2%
Student services
$3.3M13.3%
Institutional support
$3.3M13.3%
Academic support
$884K3.5%
Scholarships
$437K1.8%
Other
$5.0M19.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$63,203peers $68,588
Professor
$75,040peers $79,972
Associate professor
$61,077peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$55,013peers $62,785

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Soccer2415
Baseball35-
Basketball1314
Wrestling23-
Golf116
Volleyball-17
Softball-15
Rodeo--
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer2516
Baseball31-
Basketball1214
Wrestling20-
Volleyball-17
Softball-14
Golf83
Rodeo--
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer2920
Baseball34-
Basketball1615
Wrestling25-
Softball-21
Volleyball-17
Golf114
Rodeo--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Northeastern Junior College:

  1. University of Colorado Boulder - Ranked 105 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Colorado School of Mines - With a rank of 76, this institution specializes in engineering and applied sciences, offering a unique educational experience focused on energy and environmental issues.

  3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln - This comprehensive university ranks 159 and is recognized for its strong academic programs and commitment to research.

  4. University of Denver - Ranked 124, this private university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing experiential learning and community engagement.

  5. Creighton University - With a rank of 124, this Jesuit institution is known for its focus on liberal arts education and healthcare programs.

  6. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus - This comprehensive university is ranked 236 and is notable for its strong medical and health-related programs.

  7. United States Air Force Academy - Ranked 7, this prestigious institution focuses on training future leaders of the U.S. Air Force and offers a rigorous academic environment.

These schools offer a range of programs and specializations, making them valuable options for students considering higher education in the area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor arrests
56
Liquor referrals
15
Drug referrals
4
Rape
3
Motor vehicle theft
3
Drug arrests
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Northeastern Junior College

The crime statistics at Northeastern Junior College over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the average number of offenses per 1,000 students. Notably, the year 2014 saw a peak in criminal activities, with a rate of 32.11 incidents per 1,000 students, which is considerably higher than the average rate observed in subsequent years. This spike raises concerns about campus safety during that period.

Interestingly, the years following 2014 show a trend of decreasing crime rates, especially notable in 2021, which recorded a low of just 7.73 incidents per 1,000 students. This could suggest that measures taken to enhance campus security and student safety may have had a positive impact. Despite the improvements, the rates began to rise again in 2022 and 2023, reaching 20.83 and 25.45 respectively. This resurgence could indicate emerging challenges that the institution may need to address.

Additionally, types of offenses such as drug-related arrests and alcohol-related incidents remain prevalent and should be a focal point for campus interventions. The data suggests that there is a complex interplay of factors influencing crime rates on campus, including student behavior, external societal influences, and possibly even reporting practices.

Overall, while the downward trend in crime rates is encouraging, the recent uptick indicates the necessity for ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies to ensure a safe educational environment for all students. More comprehensive studies could help in understanding the underlying causes of these fluctuations and in crafting effective policies. For insights on how crime rates are calculated, one can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Northeastern Junior College include Steve Howey (Actor in Reba and Shameless), Dalton Knecht (NBA player for the New York Knicks) and Gjio Bain (Bahamian professional basketball player).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.