What Does It Cost to Attend Northwest Indian College?

Located just south of the Canadian border on the Lummi Indian Reservation, Northwest Indian College is the only accredited tribal school serving the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. And unlike many of the colleges in the Evergreen State, this institution comes with a list price that many families would consider affordable.

Read on to learn more about college pricing and why it can vary so dramatically between schools and students, as well as what it really costs to attend Northwest Indian College.

Why College Costs Are Highly Variable

Like many schools across the U.S., Northwest Indian College has a sticker price that differs significantly from the actual cost most students spend to attend. You can find out the actual price of admission, or the financial aid net price, by adding up the cost of all forms of financial aid, including federal, state, and local grants, institutional aid, and scholarships. Then subtract this figure from the list price.

Because Northwest Indian College is a public school, the list price of admission is generally lower than at private schools. However, it’s worth noting that public schools lack the large endowments of private institutions. So they might not be able to give out as much money in the form of financial aid. Do your research to find out what option is truly best for your family.

What Is the List Price at Northwest Indian College?

Because Northwest Indian College is a public institution, tuition prices are somewhat lower than average. Expect to spend $13,959 whether you’re applying from in state or out of state. Students in the top 30% of acceptees and those from families earning less than $175,000 a year were less likely to pay the full sticker rate.

What Is the Northwest Indian College Financial Aid Net Price?

Financial aid can significantly lower the cost of attending Northwest Indian College. For the 2016-2017 year, both in-state and out-of-state applicants paid around $5,367 annually in tuition and fees.

What Is the Family Income-Based Cost of Attending Northwest Indian College?

The list price of attending Northwest Indian College is largely dependent on family income level. Check out average net prices per family income bracket below:

*The numbers above don’t account for federal Pell Grants some families receive.

How Many Northwest Indian College Students Take Out Loans?

The lower cost of attendance at Northwest Indian College might be part of the reason that few students take out loans to finance their education. Currently, just 12% of undergraduates borrow money for tuition and fees.

Student Outcomes at Northwest Indian College

Assessing student outcomes at Northwest Indian College is a good way to evaluate ROI on your tuition dollars. Currently, the school boasts a six-year graduation rate of 86%, suggesting that a majority of students finish on time. However, prospective salaries seem to be on the low side. Ten years after graduating, the average student was earning just $27,900 annually.

Local Area Cost Considerations

Attending Northwest Indian College offers numerous advantages, including the fact that the region is known for its affordability. With a cost of living index of 129.6, Bellingham, Wash., is only slightly more expensive than the average city in the United States. One of the biggest expenses is housing, which will run you $843 for a one-bedroom, $1100 for a two-bedroom, and $1593 for a three-bed.

Working part time can help students afford their degrees. If you’re looking for a position in Bellingham, expect to earn $12 an hour, which is the state minimum wage. The average income in this part of Washington is $42,440 a year.

Ways to Save Money on College

Work-study is a great option for Northwest Indian College students who prefer not to pursue off-campus work. Not only are these jobs convenient in that you don’t have to leave school, but they also tend to include down-time for reading and catching up on homework.

Additionally, students can earn extra cash by applying for independent scholarships. If you scored well on the PSATs, consider the National Merit Scholarship program, which provides recognition and grant money to the top 1 percent of test takers. This program helps support the educational goals of 15,000 students a year.

Find out what other Northwest Indian College scholarship opportunities are available on the school website.

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