Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Rangely, Colorado
Colorado Northwestern Community College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$21,006Annual Cost
$43,526Grad Salary
17.6%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$12,316
Need-Based Aid
17.6% receive Pell
Colorado Northwestern Community College CO Colorado Northwestern Community College offers a unique combination of transfer education, technical training, and career-focused programs in a rural setting. The college is especially known for programs related to aviation, natural resources, outdoor industries, and technical trades.\n\nStudents who prefer smaller class sizes, individualized support, and hands-on learning often find CNCC appealing. The institution serves both transfer-oriented students and those seeking direct workforce entry.
Colorado Northwestern Community College Acceptance Rate
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at CNCC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Colorado Northwestern Community College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into CNCC Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Colorado Northwestern Community College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CNCC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
CNCC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
If pursuing Aviation, budget for flight fees separately from tuition and start the TSA security clearance process immediately if you're international
CNCC's own admissions checklist lists specific, itemized flight fees on top of tuition - Private Pilot's License (~$11,215), Instrument Rating (~$9,780), and Commercial License (~$22,565) - and international/non-U.S. citizen applicants must additionally complete the CNCC International Student Application and the TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP), with international applications due by July 1 for Fall or December 1 for Spring. If you're pursuing Aviation as an international student, start the FTSP process the moment you decide on this program, since its deadline is earlier and stricter than the general admission deadline.
If you live in Moffat County or Rangely specifically, apply for in-district tuition assistance the same semester you enroll - it is not retroactive
CNCC offers tiered local tuition assistance: Moffat County residents can receive up to 50% off tuition, and Rangely residents up to 100% off, funded through CNCC's local taxing districts - but this assistance must be applied for within the semester of enrollment and cannot be applied retroactively to prior semesters. Confirm your specific county residency documentation and apply for this assistance immediately upon enrolling, not after your first semester is already underway.
Choose your campus (Rangely vs. Craig) based on your specific program's actual home location, not general college branding
CNCC operates two campuses 90 miles apart with genuinely different flagship programs - Rangely is known for Aviation Technology and Dental Hygiene, while Craig is known for programs like Paleontology (leveraging the region's fossil-rich geology). Confirm which specific campus teaches your intended program in person before committing to a location, since "Colorado Northwestern" branding covers two distinct physical campuses with different specialties.
Use the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend explicitly if you're a Colorado resident - it reduces your per-credit-hour cost directly
Eligible in-state students can receive a Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend of $116 per credit hour, a state-funded benefit distinct from federal aid or CNCC's own in-district assistance. Confirm your COF eligibility and application process with financial aid separately from your general FAFSA submission, since this is a state-specific stipend that some students overlook when focused only on federal aid.
Expert Insight:
Because CNCC has open, 100% acceptance admissions, applicants can underestimate that specialized programs like Aviation carry substantial additional out-of-pocket costs (itemized flight fees running into the tens of thousands beyond tuition) and, for international students, an earlier and more document-intensive deadline (TSA FTSP) than the general admissions process - treat these as separate planning tracks from day one rather than assuming "open admission" means uniformly low cost and simple paperwork across all programs.
CNCC Profile
Full Name
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC)
City
Rangely
State
Colorado
ZIP Code
81648-3598
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a CNCC Degree Worth It?
Getting into CNCC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CNCC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CNCC is $57,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.66%.
How much does a degree from CNCC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Colorado Northwestern Community College is $21,006. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Colorado Northwestern Community College is $12,316.
17.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 16.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CNCC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Colorado Northwestern Community College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CNCC as your choice in the form.
How much does a CNCC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,526. An average CNCC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at CNCC
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Colorado Northwestern Community College →
Frequently Asked Questions About CNCC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,526 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $21,006 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
17.6% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.