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Public, 4-year

Northwest College

Powell, Wyoming · www.nwc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$11,262

In-state $4,962

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,486

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 18 : 1

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

About

Northwest College, located in Powell, Wyoming, is known for its strong commitment to providing quality education in a nurturing and supportive environment. The college offers a comprehensive range of programs including associate degrees, vocational training, and transfer options to four-year institutions. One of the standout features of Northwest College is its emphasis on small class sizes, which fosters personalized learning and close interactions between students and faculty. This approach not only enhances the academic experience but also cultivates a vibrant community where students can thrive both academically and socially.

The college prides itself on its diverse range of extracurricular activities and strong athletic programs, which contribute significantly to student life. With a variety of clubs, organizations, and sports teams, students have ample opportunities to engage with their peers and develop leadership skills. The school’s motto, "Learn, Grow, Succeed," encapsulates its mission to empower students to achieve their personal and professional goals. Additionally, Northwest College is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Wyoming, providing students with numerous outdoor recreational activities. This unique blend of academic rigor, community involvement, and beautiful surroundings makes Northwest College an appealing choice for many students seeking a well-rounded college experience.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention

The data from Northwest College highlights significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students saw a substantial increase from $2,653 in 2014 to $4,935 in 2024, reflecting a rise of approximately 86%. For out-of-state students, tuition escalated from $6,445 to $11,235, marking an increase of nearly 74%. This sharp rise in tuition may contribute to financial strain on students and their families, raising concerns about access to higher education.

In terms of graduation rates, there is a notable fluctuation. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was just 16.7% in 2014, but it improved significantly to 34.1% by 2021. This upward trend suggests that the institution is becoming more effective in helping students complete their degrees in a timely manner. Conversely, the 150% graduation rate indicates that while more students are completing their degrees, the number of students taking longer to graduate remains concerning.

Student retention also presents a mixed picture. The retention rate for undergraduates improved from 53.6% in 2014 to 67.8% in 2020, showing increased student satisfaction and support systems. However, there is a lack of data from 2022 onwards, which could impact understanding of current student engagement levels.

Overall, Northwest College's rising tuition costs juxtaposed with improving graduation and retention rates indicate a complex landscape. While the institution appears to be enhancing its educational outcomes, the increasing financial burden could pose challenges for prospective students, warranting further scrutiny and supportive measures to ensure accessibility and success in higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Ogden, about 290 mi
Nearest international airport
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about 320 mi
Powell, Wyoming
Also known as
Northwest Community College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Lisa Watson (President)
Phone
3077546000
City
Powell, Wyoming
Address
231 W 6th St, Powell, WY 82435-1898

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate25938 international (14.7%)
Bachelor's160 international (0.0%)
Top 2 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Organizational Leadership
10
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Northwest College 2023

The graduation data from Northwest College for 2023 reveals intriguing trends across various programs. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 38 graduates, indicating a strong interest and demand in the healthcare field, which is consistent with national trends emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals. This aligns with recent reports indicating a growing shortage of nurses in the U.S., reflecting the importance of such programs in addressing public health challenges.

In stark contrast, many programs, including Agricultural Business Operations and various Arts and Social Sciences disciplines, reported zero graduates. This could suggest either a lack of interest among students in these areas or insufficient program promotion and support. The absence of graduates in fields like Criminal Justice and Psychology highlights a potential gap in workforce readiness, given the ongoing societal challenges related to crime and mental health.

Additionally, the associate degree programs show a mixed picture. While some programs like Welding Technology produced 7 graduates, others reported very few or no graduates, indicating a potential mismatch between job market demands and student enrollment choices.

The data also reveals a lack of international enrollment across most programs, which may limit the diversity and perspective that international students often bring to academic environments. This could affect the overall educational experience, as international students often enhance cultural exchange and global perspectives in their fields of study.

Overall, this graduation data not only reflects the choices of students at Northwest College but also points to broader educational and labor market trends that warrant further investigation and strategic planning.

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 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
General Studies.-
Health professionshas 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$68,057
Agricultural has 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Farm/Farm and Ranch Management.-
Agricultural Production Operations, General.-
Crop Production.-
Animal Sciences, General.-
Range Science and Management.-
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.-
Businesshas 28 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Organizational Leadership.-
Accounting.-
Visual and Performing artshas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Commercial and Advertising Art.-
Commercial Photography.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Music Technology.-
Homeland security has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Educationhas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Secondary Education and Teaching.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Agricultural Teacher Education.-
Psychology has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Psychology, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.-
Precision production has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Transportation has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew.-
Social sciencehas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Anthropology, General.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Engineeringhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Engineering, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Mathematics, General.-
Biologyhas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Natural resources has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General.-
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.-
English has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
English Language and Literature, General.-
Communication has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Physical scienceshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Physics, General.-
Construction trades has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Electrician.-
Computer and information sciencehas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-

Students

1,486 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,486)

White
1,121 · 75.4%
Hispanic
114 · 7.7%
International
105 · 7.1%
Unknown
71 · 4.8%
Two or more races
30 · 2.0%
Asian
11 · 0.7%
Black
7 · 0.5%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
32.5%
18–19
31.5%
20–21
11.1%
22–24
6.8%
25 and over
18.0%

Data insights

2023 Student Demographics at Northwest College

The student composition at Northwest College in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding gender and racial diversity. Among the undergraduate freshmen, the male-to-female ratio is nearly balanced, with 49.5% males and 50.5% females, indicating a healthy gender representation for new students. However, as students progress to their sophomore year, there is a noticeable decline in male representation, with only 37.4% of sophomores identifying as male, while females dominate at 62.6%. This trend raises questions about retention rates and how the college supports its male students during their first year.

In the transfer student category, the gender imbalance continues, with only 33% of transfer students being male. This might suggest that male students are facing challenges that lead to a higher likelihood of transferring out or changing institutions. Such patterns can reflect broader societal trends where males may feel less supported in academic environments.

Racially, the data indicates that white students make up a significant portion of the student body across all categories. For instance, among freshmen, 195 out of 301 students are white, representing 64.8% of this group. This suggests that while there is a diverse student body, the representation of minority groups may still be an area for growth, especially considering the increasing emphasis on inclusivity in higher education.

Overall, the data from Northwest College highlights both strengths and areas for improvement in student demographics. The college may want to consider initiatives aimed at enhancing support for male students and increasing recruitment efforts for underrepresented groups to foster a more diverse and inclusive campus environment.

Age Demographics of Northwest College Students in 2023

The age distribution of students at Northwest College in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding the demographic makeup of the institution. The data indicates a significant concentration of younger students, particularly those under 18 and in the 18-19 age range, constituting approximately 44.3% of the total male student population and 46.5% of the total female student population. This age group is crucial as it reflects the traditional college-age demographic, suggesting that Northwest College is attracting a younger audience, possibly due to its educational offerings and campus environment.

As we move into older age brackets, the numbers begin to decline sharply. For instance, only 10.1% of male students and 8.5% of female students fall within the 20-21 age group. This trend continues as the age increases, with drastic reductions in enrollment among students aged 22 and above. The figures indicate that there is a notable absence of graduate male students, highlighting a potential area for growth in attracting older, non-traditional students who might benefit from advanced studies.

Moreover, the data points to a gender disparity in certain age groups, especially among undergraduate females, who outnumber their male counterparts in most categories. This could indicate a growing trend of female students pursuing higher education at a greater rate than males, paralleling national statistics that have shown women increasingly dominating college enrollments.

Overall, the age composition of Northwest College students signifies a predominantly younger demographic, with opportunities for the institution to enhance its appeal to older students and maintain a balance in gender representation across various age groups.

International Students

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

Undergraduates7.1%

105 in 2025 · 3.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.4%2017: 4.5%2018: 3.9%2019: 3.8%2020: 4.8%2021: 3.2%2022: 2.7%2023: 5.1%2024: 7.2%2025: 7.1%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northwest College

The data reflecting international student enrollment at Northwest College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. Starting from a mere 0.41% of the undergraduate population in 2004, there was a notable increase to 5.02% by 2011, indicating a growing interest in the institution among international students during that period. However, this increase was not sustained, as the percentage dipped in subsequent years, reaching a low of 2.66% in 2022.

The year 2020 appears to be a turning point, with 4.77% of undergraduate students being international, likely influenced by the global circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. This disruption may have affected international travel and enrollment processes, leading to a decline in numbers in the following years.

Interestingly, the data for 2023 suggests a rebound, with international students constituting 5.06% of the undergraduate body. This increase may signal a recovery in international student interest, possibly due to the easing of travel restrictions and the institution's efforts to attract a diverse student body.

Overall, these trends highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by Northwest College in catering to international students. As global educational dynamics continue to evolve, it will be essential for the college to adapt its strategies to maintain and enhance its appeal to prospective international students. The enrollment figures can serve as a benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of these strategies moving forward.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$20,736

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$11,262
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$4,962
Room and board
$9,474
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 66% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 82%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$45.5M

Government grants and contracts
$26.1M57.3%
Tuition and fees
$3.7M8.2%
Gifts and private grants
$3.5M7.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.6M5.7%
Investment return
$2.0M4.3%
Other
$7.6M16.7%

Expenses$27.0M

Instruction
$7.2M26.9%
Institutional support
$5.2M19.5%
Student services
$3.7M13.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.9M10.7%
Academic support
$1.6M5.8%
Scholarships
$220K0.8%
Public service
$201K0.7%
Other
$5.9M21.9%

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
$66,620peers $68,588
Professor
$81,373peers $79,972
Associate professor
$70,090peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$69,297peers $62,785
Instructor
$59,253peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA · Other
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Soccer3120
Basketball1514
Wrestling19-
Rodeo134
Volleyball-15
Other Sports--
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer2722
Basketball1212
Rodeo146
Volleyball-16
Wrestling16-
Other Sports--
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer2321
Basketball1812
Rodeo139
Wrestling13-
Volleyball-12
Other Sports--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Northwest College:

  1. University of Utah - Ranked 115 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Brigham Young University - Also ranked 115, BYU offers a unique combination of academic excellence and a faith-based environment, making it a distinctive institution in the region.

  3. University of Colorado Boulder - With a rank of 105, this university is renowned for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on research and sustainability.

  4. Utah State University - Ranked 269, this institution is recognized for its commitment to student success and a wide range of academic programs.

  5. Washington State University - At rank 178, WSU is well-known for its comprehensive offerings and emphasis on innovation in research.

  6. University of Denver - Holding a rank of 124, DU is celebrated for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on community service.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students, contributing to a rich educational landscape in the region.

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 referrals
112
Stalking
12
Liquor arrests
10
Rape
5
Drug arrests
4
Drug referrals
4

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Northwest College

The crime statistics at Northwest College over the years reveal significant fluctuations in the rates of reported incidents per 1,000 students. Notably, the highest average crime rate occurred in 2015, with a staggering 33.17 incidents per 1,000 students, marking a period of heightened concerns for campus safety. This spike may correlate to broader societal issues or specific incidents that brought attention to campus crime.

In recent years, particularly in 2021, the average crime rate plummeted to 7.23 per 1,000 students, reflecting a notable improvement in campus safety or more effective crime prevention measures. However, the rise to 17.85 in 2023 suggests that the college community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing safety concerns as crime rates fluctuate.

The data also highlights specific types of offenses, such as firearms arrests and drug-related incidents, which are critical for understanding the underlying issues affecting student safety. The increase in drug arrests in 2018, for example, may indicate a growing problem that the administration needs to address through education and support services.

Overall, while there are periods of concern, the trends suggest that the college has made strides in managing campus safety. Continuous monitoring and community engagement are essential to maintain and improve these safety metrics. For further understanding of crime rates per 1,000 students, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.