COEUR d’ALENE — While most students pursue a college education in the hopes of improving their career prospects and landing a great job, a degree doesn’t necessarily guarantee a job in a related field. 

“Across the country, the one thing all institutions can guarantee is that they’re going to collect your tuition,” said North Idaho College President Nick Swayne. 

He wants NIC to be different. 

That’s why the college is making a new pledge to graduates, called the NIC Guarantee. The new initiative, which goes into effect this fall for the graduating class of 2028, is designed to give students, especially working adults, the confidence that a real institutional commitment backs their time and money. 

The guarantee promises that NIC students who graduate from an associate of applied science career and technical education program and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher will be prepared for entry-level employment in their field of study in Idaho, or NIC will provide additional career preparation services at no cost. 

If an eligible graduate isn’t employed within six months of earning a degree, NIC will provide personalized job placement assistance and career coaching, employer referrals through NIC’s regional employer network and tuition-free return to any Workforce Training Center program, up to nine units. 

Tarie Zimmerman, who chairs the NIC board of trustees, said she believes the guarantee positions the college as a leader in accountability in higher education. 

“I think this is a terrific program, one that reflects our confidence in the quality of education we provide and our commitment to standing behind the value of a North Idaho College education,” she said. 

Even before Swayne took the helm at NIC four years ago, he said he was looking for the answer to certain questions about higher education. 

“Why aren’t there better guarantees of outcomes in higher education?” he said. “Why ask people to send their kids here if we can’t guarantee the outcome?” 

The NIC Guarantee is meant to be the answer. 

“I think we’re the first school in the country to do this,” Swayne said. 

Vicki Isakson, Dean of Instruction for Workforce Education at NIC, said that most CTE students are employed soon after completing their programs, and many find jobs even before graduating.  

“We’ve made an effort to increase the amount of interaction between students and employers while they’re in CTE programs through internships or other programs where they’re getting some of their instruction on the job,” she said. “It helps to give them that real-world experience.”  

In many ways, Swayne said, NIC students are already realizing the guarantee without the formalities. But by making it official, Swayne said the college becomes accountable for these outcomes while students also take on responsibility.  

“It changes people’s mentality,” he said.   

For one thing, Swayne said, the guarantee motivates students to complete their program rather than stopping early to jump into the job market. It also lights a fire under NIC.   

“It forces us to focus on making sure we have great ties with industry,” Swayne said.   

Keeping the promise means NIC must continue to stay current with industry standards and practices and prepare students for in-demand jobs.   

“I think that’s what higher ed should be doing,” Swayne said.  

Under the guarantee, employers who hire NIC graduates from any CTE program can expect them to possess the knowledge and skills required to perform entry-level roles from day one. If a job-related skill gap is identified, NIC will collaborate with the employer to determine next steps, such as additional training through NIC’s Workforce Training programs.  

“That’s the most meaningful feedback we can get,” Swayne said. 

While NIC’s tuition is more affordable than that of many other institutions, Swayne said it still represents a significant investment for many families and individuals. He said the NIC Guarantee is aimed at reducing the cost of credentials for students. 

“You should not go into debt to do a CTE program and you should have a job when you’re done,” Swayne said.

Info: nic.edu/guarantee

    Swayne
  

    Zimmerman
  

    Isakson