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Public, 4-year

Northern Marianas College

Saipan, Northern Maria · www.marianas.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$5,520

In-state $4,038

Peer median $11,384

Undergraduates

1,239

Student-faculty ratio 23:1

Peer median 19 : 1

Graduation rate

6.7%

4-year; 6-year rate 25.0%

Peer median 4.8%

“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Northern Marianas College (NMC) is a community college located in the beautiful Northern Mariana Islands, specifically in Saipan. Established in 1981, NMC offers a variety of degree and certificate programs aimed at meeting the educational needs of the local community and promoting economic development in the region. The college places a strong emphasis on providing accessible education, with programs ranging from associate degrees to vocational training, catering to diverse interests and career paths. One of the distinguishing features of NMC is its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Empowering Students for Success," which highlights its dedication to student achievement and community engagement. NMC's faculty members are highly qualified and passionate about teaching, often bringing real-world experience into the classroom. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including well-resourced libraries, computer labs, and recreational areas, which enhance the overall student experience. NMC also promotes a vibrant campus culture, encouraging participation in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and community service. With a focus on practical learning and community service, NMC prepares its graduates for successful careers, contributing positively to both local and global communities.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The data from Northern Marianas College presents a noteworthy picture regarding tuition trends and student outcomes. Firstly, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has remained stable at $4,038 since 2017, while out-of-state tuition has also maintained a consistent rate of $5,520. However, room and board costs have seen a significant increase from $5,400 in 2014 to $6,800 in 2024, which reflects broader trends in rising living costs associated with college education.

Graduation rates have been a persistent concern, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates remaining exceptionally low, fluctuating around 4% in recent years. This figure highlights a critical area for improvement, as low graduation rates can adversely affect the institution's reputation and its students' future opportunities. The 150% graduation rate, although higher than on-time rates, has not exceeded 17%, indicating that many students struggle to complete their degrees within an acceptable timeframe.

In terms of student retention, there has been a positive trend, with rates rising from 65% in 2013 to approximately 81.6% in 2021. This increase suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their studies, potentially reflecting improvements in student support services or engagement initiatives.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students shows a predominance of female students, with women consistently making up about 62% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This demographic trend could influence campus culture and the types of support services that the college may need to consider.

In summary, while Northern Marianas College has made strides in student retention, the challenges surrounding graduation rates and rising living expenses require ongoing attention and strategic interventions to enhance student success and institutional sustainability.

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Honolulu, about 3710 mi
Nearest international airport
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), about 3710 mi
Saipan, Northern Maria
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Galvin Deleon Guerrero (President)
Phone
6702376700
City
Saipan
Address
As Terlaje Campus, Saipan, MP 96950-1250

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate22523 international (10.2%)
Bachelor's588 international (13.8%)
Top 2 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
31
Education, General
27

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Northern Marianas College

The graduation data from Northern Marianas College reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields. Notably, Business Administration and Management leads with 41 bachelor's degrees awarded, alongside 29 associate degrees, indicating a strong interest in business-related studies. This trend aligns with the growing global emphasis on business education, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this sector.

A significant observation is the relatively low number of international students graduating in these programs, particularly in bachelor's degrees where only about 9.76% of graduates are from abroad. This suggests that the college may serve a predominantly local student population in business fields, which could be a strategic focus for future international recruitment efforts.

In contrast, the field of Registered Nursing boasts a higher percentage of international graduates, with 30.43% of the associate degrees awarded to international students. This aligns with the global healthcare workforce trend, where many students seek nursing qualifications abroad due to the high demand for healthcare professionals.

Interestingly, other disciplines such as Education and Natural Resources show a stark contrast in graduation numbers. Education, which holds significant societal importance, has not seen any bachelor’s or master's graduates. This could indicate a need for revitalization in the education program, potentially attracting more students to meet educational demands.

Overall, the data illustrates a strong interest in business and health-related fields while highlighting areas that may require attention to enhance diversity and attract more international students. The college's strategic initiatives could focus on these insights to foster growth and respond to labor market needs effectively.

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 109 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$11,390
Businesshas 103 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.$15,334-$17,950
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Educationhas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Education, General.-
Homeland security has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-
Natural resources has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Natural Resources/Conservation, General.-
Health professionshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-

Students

1,239 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 73.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,239)

Asian
503 · 40.6%
International
118 · 9.5%
Two or more races
88 · 7.1%
Unknown
67 · 5.4%
Hispanic
14 · 1.1%
White
8 · 0.6%
Black
3 · 0.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
5.1%
18–19
38.6%
20–21
24.0%
22–24
13.9%
25 and over
18.5%

Data insights

Student Composition at Northern Marianas College in 2023

The student demographic data for Northern Marianas College in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its undergraduate and graduate populations. A total of 1,297 students are enrolled across various categories, including freshmen, continuing students, transfer students, and graduate students.

Among these, the undergraduate freshmen represent a significant portion, with 369 students enrolled. The gender distribution is notably imbalanced, with 41.2% being male and a larger 58.8% being female. This trend continues with continuing students, where the male percentage drops slightly to 36.1%, while females account for 63.9%. Such a disparity in gender ratios may reflect broader societal trends in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

Transfer students and graduate students make up a smaller fraction of the total, with 17 and 18 students respectively. Interestingly, the male percentage among transfer students is higher at 47.1%, compared to a balanced ratio of 44.4% for graduate students.

This demographic representation is crucial for understanding the diversity and inclusivity of the campus environment. The underrepresentation of certain ethnic groups, particularly among the transfer and graduate categories, highlights areas for potential outreach and support initiatives. Furthermore, as educational institutions increasingly focus on diversity, these numbers can guide programs aimed at fostering a more equitable educational landscape.

Overall, the data from Northern Marianas College underscores the importance of continuing to address gender and ethnic disparities within higher education, ensuring that all students have opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Northern Marianas College

The age composition of students at Northern Marianas College reveals important insights into the demographics of its student body for 2023. Notably, the largest segment of the student population falls within the 18-19 age group, consisting of 181 male undergraduates and 293 female undergraduates, which indicates a strong presence of first-time college students. This trend aligns with national figures that often show a peak in enrollment among recent high school graduates.

As students transition through their twenties, the numbers begin to decline, with the 20-21 age group comprising 115 male and 176 female undergraduates. This suggests that while many students progress to the next academic year, a significant number may either be taking longer to complete their degrees or may leave the institution altogether.

Interestingly, the data shows a stark absence of graduate male students across all age groups, which raises questions about gender representation in graduate programs. The total number of male students significantly diminishes as age increases, while female students maintain a more consistent enrollment, even in older age brackets.

Moreover, the presence of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above, is minimal. This might reflect barriers such as financial commitments or family responsibilities that often deter older adults from pursuing higher education. The college might consider implementing targeted outreach or support programs for non-traditional students to enhance diversity within its student body.

Overall, the data indicates a youthful demographic with a notable gender disparity in graduate programs, underscoring opportunities for recruitment and retention strategies tailored to specific age groups and genders.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates9.5%

118 in 2025 · 5.5% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 5.5%2017: 4.9%2018: 5.0%2019: 6.8%2020: 6.7%2021: 6.5%2022: 7.8%2023: 8.1%2024: 8.4%2025: 9.5%
2016Peer median 0.8%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northern Marianas College

The data regarding international student enrollment at Northern Marianas College reveals significant trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international undergraduate students has shown a notable decline. Starting at approximately 20.86% in 2004, this figure peaked at 24.17% in 2010 before experiencing a consistent downward trajectory. By 2023, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population had dropped to 8.10%.

This decline may reflect broader trends in international education, where institutions are facing increased competition for international students, changing immigration policies, and varied geopolitical circumstances. The decrease is particularly concerning given the increasing global demand for higher education.

The total number of undergraduate students also fluctuated, which may contribute to the changing percentage of international students. The high enrollment numbers in earlier years likely correlate with a more favorable climate for international students, while recent years show a contraction that could be attributed to several factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted educational pathways and travel.

Overall, the declining representation of international students at Northern Marianas College is indicative of challenges that many colleges face in attracting a diverse student body. It raises questions about the college's strategies for international recruitment and the potential need for renewed efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from around the world.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$12,320

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,520
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$4,038
Room and board
$6,800
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 8% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 26%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$40.0M

Government grants and contracts
$29.8M74.4%
Tuition and fees
$5.2M12.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.8M7.1%
Investment return
$2.2M5.5%

Expenses$27.3M

Institutional support
$10.0M36.8%
Public service
$6.3M23.1%
Scholarships
$3.6M13.1%
Student services
$3.4M12.6%
Instruction
$2.1M7.8%
Academic support
$824K3.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$52K0.2%
Other
$906K3.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$44,326peers $66,438
Professor
$49,685peers $76,496
Associate professor
$48,875peers $69,371
Assistant professor
$43,935peers $60,685
Instructor
$39,786peers $52,290

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Data insights

Here are some notable universities surrounding Northern Marianas College:

  1. University of Hawaii at Manoa - Ranked 170 in the 2024 US News, this institution is a comprehensive university known for its diverse programs and beautiful campus located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

  2. University of Washington-Seattle Campus - With a rank of 40, the University of Washington is a prominent comprehensive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is renowned for its research initiatives.

  3. Oregon State University - Ranked 142, this comprehensive university located in Corvallis, Oregon, is known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and environmental sciences.

  4. University of California-Berkeley - A prestigious university ranked 15, UC Berkeley is known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and vibrant campus life.

  5. Stanford University - As one of the top-ranked universities in the world at rank 3, Stanford University is a leading research institution located in California, renowned for its innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.

These universities offer a variety of programs and are well-regarded in their respective fields, making them excellent options for prospective students in the Northern Marianas region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Northern Marianas College

The crime statistics at Northern Marianas College reveal a notable trend over the past decade, particularly in terms of serious offenses such as gun-related arrests and incidents of domestic violence. The data indicates that the overall crime rate has remained relatively low, with an average of 0.85 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, followed by a significant drop to zero in subsequent years, except for a slight increase in 2021, where the rate returned to 0.80 per 1,000 students.

The years 2014 through 2020 were particularly noteworthy as they recorded no incidents, suggesting effective campus security measures or a possible decline in criminal activities in the surrounding community. However, the zero crime rate in recent years could also reflect underreporting or insufficient data collection rather than a complete absence of crime.

While the return to a slight number of offenses in 2021 may raise concerns, it is essential to consider that the overall figures remain low compared to national averages. The absence of serious crimes such as robbery, assault, or drug-related offenses in the majority of the years is commendable. Such statistics are crucial for prospective students and their families, as safety remains a top priority in choosing an educational institution.

Maintaining transparency in reporting and addressing any criminal activities promptly can further enhance the reputation of Northern Marianas College as a safe learning environment. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

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.