- Located 70 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, is a two-year, residential college offering a blend of academic and workforce-ready programs. With 67 degree and 19 certificate options, you`ll build a foundation that will allow you to launch a career in a field suited to your passions. Each year, NWC awards more than $5 million in grants/scholarships to help lift the financial stress of paying for college-in fact, many graduate debt-free. Whether you`re interested in the outdoors or free art shows downtown, Powell has what you need to customize your college experience. During your time here, not only will you earn a degree-you`ll make memories, friendships, and genuine connections that last a lifetime.
School Highlights
Northwest College serves 1,486 students (47% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 29%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,486 students
- In-state tuition: $2,158
- Out-state tuition: $5,128
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
- Minority enrollment: 23%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Northwest College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wyoming for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 66 teachers has declined by 45% over five years.
Northwest College
(WY) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
Four or more years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
66 staff
92 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
4
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Northwest College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Northwest College diversity score of 0.39 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,486 students
2,881 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
697 students
1,032 students
# Part-Time Students
789 students
1,849 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
910 students
225 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
697 students
1,032 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
789 students
1,849 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
632 students
545 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
2%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
9%
13%
% Black
1%
1%
% White
77%
71%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
6%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
8%
Diversity Score
0.39
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
44%
1%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
44%
34%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,900
$34,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,158 is less than the state average of $2,855. The in-state tuition has declined by 55% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,128 is less than the state average of $6,991. The out-state tuition has declined by 54% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,158
$2,855
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,128
$6,991
Tuition Notes
This rate is per semester for a student taking 15 credits.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
94%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,804
$9,328
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$4,875
Acceptance Rate
90%
86%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
VolleyballWrestling
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Northwest College is a dynamic learning community located in Powell, Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park. In this exceptional setting, students of all ages and backgrounds receive personal attention from a highly credentialed faculty and staff. Northwest's diverse blend of academics, access to emerging technologies, and activities equips students to think critically, to fully develop their potential, and to succeed in an ever changing world. Northwest College opened in 1946 with nearly 100 full- and part-time students and three instructors who met in classrooms borrowed from the public school district. In 1953 the name was changed to Northwest Community College, and in 1968 the college's tax base was expanded to include all of Park County. The name changed once more to Northwest College in 1989. Over the years, the quality of instruction matured, and a residential campus developed. Northwest's 124-acre campus is one of the most attractive college campuses in Wyoming. Its 57 buildings include 14 instructional facilities, four residence halls and 80 apartments for 750 students, a student center, a child care center, and a library with electronic access to other libraries. Northwest College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National League for Nursing, and National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Northwest College cost?
Northwest College's tuition is approximately $2,158 for In-State students and $5,128 for Out-State students.
What schools are Northwest College often compared to?
Northwest Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Northern Wyoming Community College District by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Northwest College?
The acceptance rate of Northwest College is 90%, which is higher than the state average of 86%.
What sports does Northwest College offer?
Northwest College offers 2 interscholastic sports: Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Northwest College's ranking?
Northwest College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Wyoming for: Least expensive tuition and Highest completion rates.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Northwest College is Full Sail University (60.6 miles away)
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