
Northwest Indian College (NWIC) in Bellingham, Washington is the only accredited tribal school in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1973, the college now has expanded and provides students with such facilities as an Early Learning Center, NWIC Science Building, Student Center and residential halls. The school, which is located within the Lummi reservation, is just 20 miles from the border of Canada. The school has satellite locations at tribal sites in Washington and in Idaho, on the Nez Perce reservation.
The school offers associates and bachelor’s degrees as well as certificates. It also provides continuing education courses to adult learners over sixteen year old. Some of the areas of study include:
- Native American studies
- Environmental science
- Web design
- Early childhood education
- Liberal arts and general studies
- Physical sciences
- Substance abuse counseling
- Business administration
- Hospitality management
- General office training
- Casino management
In order to apply to the tribal school, you need to show proof that you belong to a Native American tribe. A tuition discount is offered to students who live in close proximity to the school or on a reservation. The schools’ cooperative extension office provides Native Americans at the school with outreach programs that will assist them educationally.
Students, whether they live in-state or out of state, pay the same tuition, which currently is set around $3,700 annually. Students enrolled at the college number around 550 and the school has a 75% retention rate. NWIC is located at 2522 Kwina Road in Bellingham, Washington. Contact them for further information at 360-676-2772.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $5,700. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $10 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are between $4,000-$4,800 for both state residents and nonresidents
- The estimated tuition for part time students is around $110 to $130 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 87% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 76% | $4,314 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Northwest Indian College may offer services to students like:
- Online course work available
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Career path counseling
- Day care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often times offer both career training courses and curriculum to help students transfer out to a 4-year college or university, that is why we include how this school compares for both graduation and transfer rates against other community colleges in Whatcom County and community colleges in Washington in total.
Northwest Indian College | Whatcom County | Washington | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 8.9% | 25.8% | 29.5% |
Transfer-out Rate | - | 9.1% | 19.5% |
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Northwest Indian College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management
- Casino Management
Computer and Information Sciences
Construction Trades
- Construction Trades
Education
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Native American Studies (B, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mechanic and Repair Technology
Natural Resources and Conservation
Physical Sciences
- Physical Sciences