The NIC Guarantee

North Idaho College stands behind the value of the credentials it awards. Whether you're starting a new career, advancing in your field, or earning a bachelor's degree, NIC gives you a clear path, real-world preparation, and confidence that your investment will pay off.

The NIC Guarantee is a two-way commitment. Students must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and remain in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Guarantee 1

EMPLOYMENT READINESS

North Idaho College guarantees that Eligible Graduates* will be prepared for entry-level employment in their field of study in Idaho or NIC will provide additional career preparation and services, at no cost to you. If an Eligible Graduate is not employed within 6 months of receiving their degree, NIC is committed to continuing to support you in your employment search. Specifically, NIC will provide you with the following services:

• Personalized career coaching and job search support, including resume help, interview preparation, employer referrals, and access to job opportunities

• Employer referrals through NIC's active regional employer network

• Tuition-free return to any Workforce Training Center program, up to 9 units

What job placement assistance means:
At NIC, job placement assistance means helping students prepare for the job search and connect with real opportunities. Support may include resume and interview preparation, employer referrals, job boards, career fairs, internships, clinicals, apprenticeships, and other career-connected opportunities. NIC’s role is to support, prepare, and connect students, not to assign or guarantee a specific job.

*Eligible Graduates: NIC students who graduate from an Associate of Applied Science Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and who meet the applicable requirements in the “Qualifications” section below, not one year certificates.

Guarantee 2

EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP

North Idaho College stands behind the workforce readiness of its graduates. Employers who hire an NIC graduate from any Eligible Program* can expect them to possess the knowledge and skills required to perform entry-level roles from day one.

NIC also maintains relationships with employers who hire our graduates. Within the first 90 days of employment, employers are encouraged to connect with a dedicated NIC employer liaison to ensure new hires are set up for success. If a job-related skill gap is identified, NIC will work collaboratively with the employer to determine appropriate next steps. This may include targeted, short-term, role-specific training through NIC’s Workforce Training programs or other forms of support aligned with program outcomes and workforce priorities. Training responses will be focused, limited in scope, and aligned to close competency gaps, ensuring timely support.

*Eligible Programs: Any NIC Associate of Applied Science Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

We don't just place graduates — we back them.

• Our employer liaison team is available year-round. Contact Career Services to establish an employer partnership.

Guarantee 3

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS

If you've been working in a trade, served in the military, or hold industry certifications, you may not need to start from scratch. NIC guarantees access to Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)* for students with credit-eligible experience.

Through a Prior Learning Assessment, you could receive academic credit for documented work experience, military training, or industry credentials — potentially reducing the time and cost to complete your credential by a full semester or more.

Through this Guarantee, NIC commits to:

• Completing your Prior Learning Assessment
• Assigning a dedicated advisor to identify all credit-eligible experience

*CPL: See NIC Policy 5.04.07 for more information on Credit for Prior Learning

Don't pay to relearn what you already know.

• Email or stop by Cardinal Central, located in the DeArmond Building

Guarantee 4

TRANSFER SUPPORT

North Idaho College guarantees Eligible Graduates* either successful admission to one of our participating four-year university partners (Partners) or ongoing transfer support services from NIC. 
Our Partners recognize the value of an NIC degree. Accordingly, NIC and its Partners have agreements in place under which Eligible Graduates are guaranteed to satisfy each Partner’s respective academic requirements for admission. See below for a list of our Partners. Additionally, NIC will continue to provide proactive advising and transfer support for all current students to ensure a seamless transition, including help navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities at transfer institutions.

If an Eligible Graduate has not successfully transferred within their first year of graduating, NIC guarantees ongoing access to NIC’s transfer support services during that time period. 

*Eligible Graduates: NIC students who graduate with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree and who meet the applicable requirements in the “Qualifications” section below.  

Participating Transfer Partners

• University of Idaho
• Lewis-Clark State College

Successful transfer students have historically received full credit for courses completed within aligned programs and transfer in as juniors. Additional and custom transfer pathways are continuing to be developed. 

Qualifications: How to Remain Eligible

The NIC Guarantee is a two-way commitment. Students who meet the applicable requirements below are fully covered.

Purpose

The NIC Guarantee is designed to remove barriers, reduce the total cost of a credential, and give students — especially working adults — the confidence that their time and money are backed by a real institutional commitment. Whether you're 18 or 48, returning to school or starting for the first time, North Idaho College is accountable to your success.