- 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 1,501 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 51%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,501 students
- In-state tuition: $5,997
- Out-state tuition: $6,991
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 32%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 126 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Colorado Northwestern Community College
(CO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private, for profit
Total Faculty
126 staff
80 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Colorado Northwestern Community College has grown by 9% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Colorado Northwestern Community College diversity score of 0.51 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,501 students
1,174 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
442 students
712 students
# Part-Time Students
1,059 students
1,500 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
150 students
185 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
442 students
483 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
95 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,059 students
1,114 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
1 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
346 students
346 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
1%
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
16%
25%
% Black
1%
6%
% White
68%
49%
% Hawaiian
n/a
3%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
7%
4%
Diversity Score
0.51
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3179%
0.636%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2712%
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 $3,735. 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 $10,403. The out-state tuition has grown by 5% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,997
$3,735
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,991
$10,403
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
89%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$11,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
98%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Equestrian, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- 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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Colorado Northwestern Community College is Uintah Basin Technical College (64.8 miles away)
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