Colorado Northwestern Community College
Colorado Northwestern Community College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Colorado Northwestern Community College at a Glance
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) is a public community college with campuses in Rangely and Craig, Colorado, as well as academic centers in Meeker and Oak Creek, Colorado. The college participates in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
1962
64 years old
1,271
46
Identity
Is Colorado Northwestern Community College Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Colorado Northwestern Community College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,526 — 19% below average — while paying $12,131/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Colorado Northwestern Community College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Colorado Northwestern Community College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 19 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #2 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #3 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | 68 | $7,482 | $51,077 |
| #4 | Ohio University-Eastern Campus | 68 | $3,925 | $52,581 |
| #5 | Northwest Indian College | 62 | $3,136 | $35,447 |
| #6 | Zane State College | 54 | $8,062 | $35,006 |
| #16 | Colorado Northwestern Community College | 30 | $12,131 | $43,526 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Colorado Northwestern Community College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CO.
Best Programs at Colorado Northwestern Community College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Colorado Northwestern Community College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,131/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Rangely, CO
- Student Body
- 504 students
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,131
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,526
- Median Student Debt
- $12,000