Northwest Indian College
Out-of-state tuition
$4,365
$9,865 with room and board
Peer median $3,980
Undergraduates
636
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 10 : 1
Graduation rate
30.8%
4-year; 6-year rate 38.5%
“Peers” are all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Northwest Indian College (NWIC) is a unique institution located in the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Bellingham, Washington. Established in 1973, NWIC serves as a tribal college, dedicated to providing higher education opportunities for Native American students and promoting cultural preservation and community development. The college's mission is to empower indigenous students through the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary academic practices, creating a vibrant learning environment that respects and honors Native cultures.
The college offers a range of academic programs, including associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in fields such as Native Studies, Environmental Science, and Tribal Governance. NWIC prides itself on its supportive and inclusive campus culture, fostering a sense of community among students. The faculty and staff are highly qualified and dedicated to student success, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the academic journey. Additionally, the college's commitment to student life is evident in its various extracurricular activities and sports programs, encouraging students to engage with each other and develop their leadership skills. With a focus on holistic education, NWIC not only prepares students for successful careers but also instills in them a strong sense of cultural identity and social responsibility.
Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Northwest Indian College
The data from Northwest Indian College reveals significant trends in tuition costs, enrollment figures, and graduation rates over the years. Notably, the in-state tuition for undergraduate students saw a dramatic increase from $4,155 in 2014 to $6,787 in 2021, an increase of approximately 63%. However, it subsequently dropped to $3,969 in both 2023 and 2024, indicating a potential response to student needs or financial pressures amid rising living costs.
Enrollment trends also tell an intriguing story. The number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, peaking at 699 in 2013 and dropping to 535 in 2019 before recovering to 643 in 2023. This fluctuation may reflect broader demographic trends or shifts in economic factors affecting students' ability to attend college.
Graduation rates present a concerning picture, with the percentage of students graduating on time remaining alarmingly low. In 2023, only about 4.76% of undergraduate students graduated on time, with a mere 9.52% completing their degrees within 150% of the expected time frame. This low graduation rate raises questions about the support systems in place for students and the challenges they face, including financial burdens and academic preparedness.
Moreover, the retention rate varied significantly over the years, with a notable low of 25% in 2014, improving to 70% in 2018, but settling at around 50% in the latest years. This indicates that while some years show improvement in keeping students enrolled, consistent support mechanisms might still be lacking.
In summary, while Northwest Indian College has made strides in addressing tuition costs, the institution faces challenges in maintaining enrollment and improving graduation rates. These trends underscore the importance of strategic planning and targeted support to enhance student success and institutional stability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Seattle, about 80 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 90 mi
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Lexie Tom (President)
- Phone
- 3606762772
- City
- Bellingham, Washington
- Address
- 2522 Kwina Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226-9217
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Northwest Indian College
The graduation data from Northwest Indian College in 2023 highlights some significant trends in various fields of study. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program stands out with 16 bachelor's degrees awarded, indicating a strong interest in business-related fields. This reflects a broader trend in higher education where business programs are increasingly popular among students seeking versatile career opportunities.
Another noteworthy observation is the substantial number of graduates in Liberal Arts and Sciences, which reported 67 associate degrees. This suggests that many students are pursuing foundational education that may lead to further academic exploration or transfer to four-year institutions. The emphasis on liberal arts education aligns with the growing recognition of its value in fostering critical thinking and communication skills, essential in today's job market.
Moreover, it's important to note that there were no international students graduating in any of the bachelor's or master's programs, which could indicate a potential area for growth. With increasing globalization, attracting international students can enhance the diversity and cultural richness of the academic environment.
In contrast, other disciplines such as Environmental Science, Human Services, and Early Childhood Education did not report any graduates at the bachelor's or master's levels. This may reflect specific challenges within these fields, such as limited program offerings or insufficient student enrollment, which could warrant further investigation and support from the institution.
Overall, the data presents a mixed landscape of academic achievement, with certain programs thriving while others require attention to enhance their appeal and accessibility to a wider range of students.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $25,182 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | - | ||
| Public Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. | - | ||
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Native American Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
Students
636 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 26:74 · Freshman retention 55.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 518
- First-year undergraduates 54
- Transfers and others 64
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (636)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Northwest Indian College in 2023
The student demographics at Northwest Indian College for the year 2023 reveal interesting insights into the composition of its undergraduate and graduate populations. Among the first-year undergraduate students, there are 86 enrolled, with a significant majority of 65.1% being female and 34.9% male. This highlights a growing trend in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males, reflecting broader societal shifts towards women's education.
In contrast, the continuing undergraduate students show a more pronounced gender disparity, with only 21.6% of the 529 students being male and a striking 78.4% female. This may indicate a retention issue for male students, which is a concern observed across various institutions nationwide. The overall demographic balance suggests that the college might need to implement targeted strategies to engage and retain male students.
The transfer undergraduate group is notably small, with only 17 students, and it is predominantly female, with 94.1% identifying as such. This could be indicative of a larger trend where female students are more likely to transfer, possibly seeking opportunities that better align with their academic and career goals.
Lastly, the small number of non-degree seeking students, numbering only 11, presents a unique opportunity for the college to foster a more inclusive environment for those pursuing education without the pressure of formal degree completion. Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding gender dynamics in student populations and the need for institutions to adapt their programs and support systems accordingly.
Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at Northwest Indian College
The age distribution data from Northwest Indian College reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its student population. Notably, the largest group of undergraduate females falls within the 25-29 age range, comprising 88 individuals, which highlights a trend of older students pursuing their degrees. This could be indicative of a growing number of non-traditional students who are returning to education later in life, perhaps to enhance their career prospects or fulfill personal ambitions.
In contrast, the youngest group, under 18, has only 11 total students (2 males and 9 females), suggesting that the college may not be a primary destination for students who are immediately transitioning from high school. The significant representation of students aged 18-24, particularly with 43 female undergraduates aged 22-24, reflects a strong engagement from young adults who are likely to be either fresh out of high school or seeking to advance their education.
Interestingly, there is a complete absence of graduate males in the data, which might be a point of concern for the institution. This gender disparity in graduate enrollment could warrant further investigation into factors that might be influencing male students’ decisions to pursue graduate studies.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding the age demographics of students, as it can help the college tailor its academic programs and support services to better meet the needs of its diverse student body. As educational institutions adapt to changing demographics, recognizing the trends of older and non-traditional students will be crucial in shaping future academic offerings and community engagement initiatives.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
1 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Northwest Indian College
The data reveals a concerning trend in the enrollment of international students at Northwest Indian College over the years from 2015 to 2023. The total number of undergraduate students has fluctuated slightly, peaking at 643 in 2023. However, the number of international students has seen a significant decline, dropping from 3 in 2015 to just 1 in 2023. Consequently, the percentage of international students within the undergraduate population has also decreased, from 0.47% in 2015 to a mere 0.16% in 2023.
This decline raises questions about the factors contributing to such a decrease. It may reflect broader trends in international student mobility, particularly in the context of recent global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted travel and education. Additionally, the competitive landscape of higher education may have shifted, as other institutions may offer more attractive programs or support for international students.
Furthermore, the lack of data on graduate enrollment suggests that the college may not be prioritizing or attracting graduate-level international students, which could impact the diversity and richness of the academic environment.
The diminishing presence of international students could have implications for the college's global engagement and the cultural exchange that enriches the educational experience for all students. It highlights the necessity for Northwest Indian College to reevaluate its strategies for attracting and supporting international students to foster a more inclusive and diverse academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$9,865
- Undergraduate tuition
- $4,365
- Room and board
- $5,500
Peer median tuition + room and board $11,737 · all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose -1% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 11%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$29.0M
Expenses$31.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
| Independent | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 23 | 21 |
| Independent | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 30 | 26 |
| Independent | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 14 | 8 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle · 79.9 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle · 80.0 mi
U.S. News #49
-
Seattle UniversitySeattle · 83.0 mi
U.S. News #179
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 106.0 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 226.8 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 227.3 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Reed CollegePortland · 228.9 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 231.0 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
George Fox UniversityNewberg · 241.7 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Northwest Indian College:
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Seattle Pacific University - With a ranking of 269, this comprehensive university emphasizes a holistic education grounded in Christian values.
-
Seattle University - Ranked 163rd, this comprehensive university is recognized for its commitment to social justice and community engagement.
-
University of Puget Sound - This liberal arts college is ranked 89th and is known for its strong emphasis on critical thinking and personal growth.
-
Gonzaga University - With a ranking of 93, Gonzaga is a comprehensive university that blends rigorous academics with a focus on service and ethics.
-
Reed College - Ranked 67th, this liberal arts college is known for its unique curriculum and strong emphasis on independent study.
These institutions offer a range of programs and opportunities for students in the region.
Peer median 0.0 · all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Northwest Indian College
The crime statistics at Northwest Indian College reflect a fluctuating pattern over the years, with notable variations in the number of incidents recorded per 1,000 students. In 2013, the crime rate stood at 7.15, which marked the highest rate within the observed period. This figure has seen a general decline until 2015, where it dropped to a mere 1.57. The year 2021 was particularly striking as the college recorded no crime incidents, illustrating a significant improvement in campus safety.
However, the trend reversed sharply in 2023, where the crime rate surged to 15.55, indicating an alarming spike in incidents. This sudden increase raises concerns about the underlying factors contributing to such a dramatic rise, particularly in the context of societal issues like mental health, substance abuse, and community engagement that can impact safety in educational institutions.
The data also reveals a steady presence of specific types of offenses, such as firearm arrests and drug-related incidents. The college administration may need to evaluate its safety protocols and support systems to address these re-emerging challenges. As colleges increasingly prioritize student safety and well-being, understanding these statistics is crucial in implementing effective preventative measures.
Overall, while the data suggests progress in certain years, the recent spike in crime rates necessitates a comprehensive analysis and collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and security of the college community. For further insights into calculating crime rates, please visit 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.