Colorado Northwestern Community College Photo #4

Colorado Northwestern Community College

  • Colorado Northwestern is one college in two Colorado communities. Depending on what you want to study, CNCC has the perfect surroundings and facilities to meet your needs. Founded in 1962 as "Rangely College," CNCC now serves nearly 1,000 students on two campuses, two service centers and online. Our two main campuses in Craig and Rangely are 90 miles apart in the mountains and canyons of Northwestern Colorado, with two service centers located in Meeker and Oak Creek. Outdoor Adventures We serve a diverse student population, ranging from traditional college students right out of high school, to a diverse population of adults who are seeking to advance their careers, or perhaps pursue a second one. The programs we offer are as diverse as our students. We offer world-class Arts & Science Degree programs that feature guaranteed transfer to Colorado four-year institutions. We also offer a rich array of Career and Technical programs designed to give students the training they need to get to work now. The Gates of Lodore, a canyon on the Green River, in northwestern Colorado. Perhaps one the the most attractive things about CNCC is that we are centered in one of the richest recreational and scenic areas in Colorado. It`s Colorado like you`ve never seen it before, with deep, high mountain canyons; impossibly wide vistas; wild, untamed rivers; and solitude that inspires.

School Highlights

Colorado Northwestern Community College serves 1,271 students (34% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 30:1 is lower than the state community college average of 35:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 51%.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 1,271 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,997
  • Out-state tuition: $6,991
  • Student-teacher ratio: 30:1
  • Minority enrollment: 29%
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 66% over five years.
Colorado Northwestern Community College
(CO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
Four or more years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
42 staff
56 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
26
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Colorado Northwestern Community College has grown by 27% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 30:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Colorado Northwestern Community College diversity score of 0.46 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,271 students
2,084 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
30:1
35:1
# Full-Time Students
431 students
671 students
# Part-Time Students
840 students
1,413 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
720 students
434 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
431 students
641 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
848 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
840 students
1,327 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
346 students
326 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
17%
26%
% Black
1%
8%
% White
71%
49%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
5%
7%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
61%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$41,400
$33,300

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $5,997 is more than the state average of $3,712. The in-state tuition has grown by 44% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,991 is less than the state average of $10,526. The out-state tuition has grown by 5% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,997
$3,712
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,991
$10,526
Tuition Notes
$15,885.65 - $18,875.65
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$10,981
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,000
Acceptance Rate
n/a
90%

Sports

Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
BaseballBasketball
ClimbingEquestrian
KayakingRock Climbing
SoccerSoftball
Volleyball
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Spartans
  • Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) is a publicly supported two-year institution that was established in 1960. The main campus at Rangely, was opened in 1962 as Rangely College to a freshman class composed of 82 students. Originally, the College was a branch of Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colorado, but the two were separated in 1970. In July of 1974, Rangely College officially became Colorado Northwestern Community College. Colorado Northwestern Community College has been your education partner since 1962. With campuses in Rangely and Craig, community education centers in Meeker and South Routt County, as well as increasing opportunities for distance and technology-assisted learning, Colorado Northwestern Community College continues to be your best educational choice for affordable, high-quality learning options. CNCC has many clubs and activities for our students including outdoor recreational activities from whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, rock climbing and expedition camping to our on-campus challenge course andclimbing gym. In addition, you will find a variety of collegiate athletics. We have outstanding occupational and transfer programs, excellent faculty with a personalized touch, and many outdoor recreational opportunities offered in a open-door atmosphere, with affordable prices, and at five different locations in Northwestern Colorado. Colorado Northwestern Community College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Colorado Northwestern Community College cost?
Colorado Northwestern Community College's tuition is approximately $5,997 for In-State students and $6,991 for Out-State students.
What sports does Colorado Northwestern Community College offer?
Colorado Northwestern Community College offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Equestrian, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

Recent Articles

Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 1,271 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,997
  • Out-state tuition: $6,991
  • Student-teacher ratio: 30:1
  • Minority enrollment: 29%
  • Source: Verified school update

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Colorado public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,712 per year for in-state students and $10,526 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $16,978 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Colorado is 78%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Quick Links