There are a variety of reasons why people choose to attend junior colleges. For some graduating high school students the chance to attend a small educational institution is both economical and provides a graduated step to large four year institutions. For others the junior college provides expert training in the fields of nursing, mechanics, forestry, and many more vocational programs. As far as choice the campus and atmosphere of Northern Idaho College in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho is almost perfect.
I visited the Northern Idaho College campus recently and can state without equivocation it is the best in the Northwest for a junior college experience. It is located in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Coeur d’ Alene is at the Northern tip of Idaho, approximately 60 miles from Spokane, Washington and approximately 125 miles from Missoula, Montana. The town of Coeur d’ Alene is surrounded by a beautiful lake, great shops and outdoor sports of every type. During the Summer boating, water skiing and hiking in this lush green area is available for everyone. Biking is very safe here due to the fantastic bike paths around the town. During the Winter, snow skiing, snow boarding and other sports are available for everyone.
The key reason for checking out Northern Idaho College is the friendliest of the town people toward the college and the availability of things to do in the area. The campus is absolutely gorgeous. The other aspect is the reciprocity that Northern Idaho has afforded Montana residents. By reciprocity I am referring to a fee schedule that is suited for Montana residents because we are close neighbors in the Northwest. The cost to attend an institution out of state can be astronomical as most people know.
The other important factors are the overall safety and friendly atmosphere of the campus. There is an obvious low key security on campus, but according to students it is geared towards making their experience free of fear and crime. According to some business owners the campus does not have any extraordinary drug or alcohol problems. The business owners welcome the students because overall they are a great bunch of young adults.
The city of Coeur d’ Alene is going through a major building boom as many towns are in the Northwest. Some of the developments appear to be welcome and others appear to overwhelm the charm of this jewel of a town. It is without a doubt a rival for Carmel, California, La Jolla, California or Corona del Mar, California with a lake not an ocean. Its proximity to major events in Spokane and elsewhere make it a great place for young adults to get their breadth requirements accomplished and have some fun on the weekends.
The two year vocational programs are excellent. The facilities are state of the art. If you are interested in forestry or the environmental sciences Northern Idaho has excellent programs. If you have interests in nursing or other health care training there are numerous programs. The campus is wired. Students have access via the Internet to almost everything and everybody on campus. The students rave that the teachers are very accessible.
There is a great sports program on campus and the facility is up to date and accessible to everyone. While I was there I saw many people kayaking and canoing along the lake as well as sailing. If you drop in to check out Coeur d’Alene have a meal at the Iron Horse on the main street. There is dining outside or inside the restaurant. The staff is friendly and the food is excellent. Coeur d’ Alene is the home of the Iron Man triathlon that takes place in late June. It would be a great event to take in while checking out the Northern Idaho College campus.
