What if College Was Affordable?

NHCC is Among the Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 

Affordable tuition is one of the main reasons students choose NHCC. 

The biggest and most obvious way to make college affordable is to start at a community college like NHCC. This is especially important if you plan to transfer to get a bachelor’s degree.

Let’s look at an example: Cost per credit at NHCC ($210) vs. University of Minnesota ($538).

Generally, if you don’t have any college credits, a bachelor’s degree takes four years (if attending full time). If you do your first two years at NHCC and then transfer to do your last two years at the U of M, you can save over $18,000. You can save even more if you plan to get your bachelor’s from a private college. 

Bonus: If you start at NHCC and transfer to get your bachelor’s after completing an associate degree, then you'd have a degree you could use to get a higher paying job while you finish your bachelor’s degree. If you start at a university, you won’t have a degree you can use at the halfway point. This is especially important if you need to take a break from college.

Federal Loans

For many students, taking out federal loans is their only option for paying for college. To take out loans, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Loans and debt can be life changing. It’s very important to get the support and advice you need to understand the process and make good decisions on the amount you borrow and the loans you take. Connect with Financial Aid if you have questions: faid@nhcc.edu

How to Apply

Work Study

If you apply for federal financial aid (complete the FAFSA) and you take at least six credits per semester, you may be eligible for a work study job at NHCC. 

Work study allows you to work part time at NHCC, get paid $15 per hour, have a flexible schedule, and gain valuable work experience. When you complete the FAFSA, you'll find out if you're eligible. 

Learn More

Is College Worth the Investment? 

Even at NHCC, which is among the most affordable options you could choose for your education, college can still be a significant investment. It's natural to wonder whether it's worth it. 

The graph below shows the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on how education impacts earnings and unemployment. 

According to BLS data, as education increases, earnings increase and unemployment rate decreases. Source. 

Beyond the Career Benefits 

Earning more, and having more career options and job security are all good reasons to go to college. But there's more. 

Students often mention the experiences they have and the connections they make in college as some of the highlights of going to NHCC. Beyond that, NHCC's courses aim to teach you to think better. When you think more critically and have more context, you see the world differently, and no one can take that away from you.