Land a Job in 6 Months or Get Free Training: North Idaho College's Bold Guarantee

Starting this fall, North Idaho College (NIC) is making a bold promise to its applied science graduates: they will be prepared for entry-level employment in their field of study in Idaho within six months, or the college will provide free additional career-preparation services. This initiative, called the NIC Guarantee, aims to hold the institution accountable for student outcomes.

How It Works

• Eligibility: Graduates from the Class of 2028 onward with an Associate of Applied Science degree and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• The Promise: If not employed within six months of graduation, NIC offers free job-placement assistance, career coaching, employer referrals, and up to nine additional units in any Workforce Training Center program.
• Credit for Experience: Students with trade work, military service, or industry certifications can convert that experience into academic credit.
• Transfer Guarantee: Associate of Arts or Science graduates are guaranteed to meet transfer requirements to partner institutions like the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College.
• Employer Promise: If an employer identifies a skills gap in a NIC graduate within the first 90 days, NIC will provide targeted, short-term training to close that gap.

Why This Matters

College President Nick Swayne questions, "Why aren’t there better guarantees of outcomes in higher education?" This move puts student success at the forefront and challenges other institutions to follow suit. It’s a game-changer for career-focused education, ensuring that graduates are truly job-ready.

Key Takeaway

NIC is not just promising an education—it's promising a result. This guarantee could set a new standard for community colleges nationwide, making them more accountable for the career success of their students.