Parents and Families

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Parents and guardians play a big role in helping their high school students and recent graduates take their next steps toward college success. See below for helpful information and resources at all stages of the college journey.
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Earn College Credit in High School

Dual credit gives students the chance to earn college credit in high school and unlock valuable benefits. At NWTC, students will:

  • Save money 
  • Get a head start on college studies
  • Earn credits that transfer to 4-year colleges
  • Learn from faculty who are experts in their field

Credit by Exam

NWTC's credit by exam program allows qualified high school students to test out of introductory college courses, like Math for Trades, and earn college credit before they even graduate! The sooner students start the process, the smoother it will be. Speak with an admissions advisor for details.

Parents have conversation with an advisor

Discover Career Options

Your student can learn about their interests, personality, skills, and values to connect them to a career pathway. Get valuable resources from NWTC Career Services, and check out our Areas of Study options for ideas on career paths and fields of study.

High school students learn about the phlebotomy program on a tour

Explore NWTC

Is your student interested in attending college at NWTC? Find out more about our six academic colleges and 200+ programs and degrees.

Plus, campus tours are a great way to see if NWTC is the right fit and to get a feel for the full college experience. Come see us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I learn more about college credit options for high school students?

Visit our Dual Enrollment page to find out more about the different types of dual credit and more details about options for earning college credit while still in high school.

What are the benefits of a technical college education?

NWTC can provide many benefits to students compared to a 4-year college.

  • Lower cost. We offer more affordable tuition and flexible payment options to help students avoid debt.

  • Faster, career-ready pathways. Our degree programs typically span one to two years of study, helping students enter in-demand, high-pay careers faster.

  • Hands-on, skills-focused training. Programs are built in partnership with local industries, giving students practical, real-world experience that aligns directly with local employer needs.

  • Strong community impact. Our graduates are prepared for immediate employment in essential fields that support our local communities.

Why choose NWTC?

NWTC is an accredited, nationally recognized 2-year public college. We have received many awards and honors for our commitment to student success, environmental efforts, and college excellence, including the following.

  • The Aspen Institute named NWTC as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million award is the nation's signature recognition of strong performance among community colleges. 
  • INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, named NWTC a recipient of the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, recognizing the College's innovations in assisting underrepresented students pursue STEM careers. 
  • Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for effective urban forest management.
  • Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration.

Learn about NWTC's accreditation and awards.

How can I get details on paying for college?

Visit our Paying for College page to find out more about NWTC tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and other funding sources for higher education.

Who can I contact with questions?

How can I provide feedback or suggestions?

To help us improve, feel free to share suggestions for ongoing improvements. Email us at startcollegenow@nwtc.edu.

Stay in the Loop


Want to be informed of important updates and opportunities for your student's future? Sign up to receive texts and/or emails from NWTC on the topics you care about.

Note: NWTC does not send spam or irrelevant promotional materials when you subscribe. Easily opt out of messages at any time. 

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