Northern Marianas College
Northern Marianas College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Northern Marianas College at a Glance
Northern Marianas College (NMC) is a public land-grant college in the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The college was founded in Susupe in 1976. NMC today has three campuses on the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The main campus on Saipan is in Fina Sisu. NMC is the sole public college within the Commonwealth and is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
1981
45 years old
14 acres
Is Northern Marianas College Worth It?
Northern Marianas College is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $2,789/year net price and $27,836 median earnings, graduates earn 10.0× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 41% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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: Northern Marianas College delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Northern Marianas College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 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 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #4 | Bay Mills Community College | 74 | $3,073 | $30,048 |
| #5 | University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla | 42 | $7,765 | $27,997 |
| #6 | Guam Community College | 40 | $4,106 | $27,820 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Northern Marianas College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Northern Marianas College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Northern Marianas 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 $2,789/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
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Saipan, MP
- Student Body
- 1,225 students
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $2,789
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $27,836