What Is It Known For?
Northwest Lineman College (NLC) stands as the largest provider of linework training in the country. Linemen founded this private institution in 1993 after recognizing how few quality training programs existed for electrical lineworkers. Since then, NLC has built a reputation as a leader in power delivery education across four campuses in the United States.
The school has trained thousands of lineworkers who now maintain the electric power infrastructure that keeps communities running. Unfortunately, the school doesn’t publish its enrollment numbers. However, students work in crews of four to five members, learning the same teamwork dynamics they’ll need on actual job sites while instructors guide them as crew leaders would in the field.
Degrees & Certifications
Northwest Lineman College focuses on certificate-based training rather than traditional degrees. Programs include:
- The Electrical Lineworker Program, which runs 15 weeks and is offered three times per year
- Lineman Apprenticeship Program
- Power Delivery Programs
- Professional Technical Educator Program
Class Schedules
The Electrical Lineworker Program is fully in-person due to the physical nature of the work. Classes usually meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with some Friday sessions as needed. Training emphasizes field skills instead of externships, using a structured pre-apprenticeship model. Online and distance learning options are available for professional and company-based training programs, though not for the core lineworker track.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Every campus meets or beats state requirements for licensing. The California campus holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The school uses an open enrollment policy. This results in an acceptance rate of 100 percent.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition for the Electrical Lineworker Program varies by location. Florida students pay $23,106 per term while California students pay $25,924 per term. The complete program spans three terms total. Company training programs are cheaper.
Unfortunately, NLC does not provide a net price calculator on its website, so you should contact the school directly for details about additional costs beyond tuition.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Commercial Driver's License
- Electrical Lineworker
Campus Locations
Meridian 7600 S Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
Oroville 2009 Challenger Ave, Oroville, CA 95965
Denton 5110 Dakota Ln, Denton, TX 76207
Edgewater 501 Pullman Rd, Edgewater, FL 32132
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Northwest Lineman College in Meridian is a well-established and large-scale institution that provides a solid foundation for a career in line work. While many graduates credit the program for launching successful careers, the school faces serious, recurring, and detailed complaints regarding its affiliation with a housing service and the program’s perceived bias against union labor.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Career Launchpad: Many graduates state the program was a “great experience” and a “really good program to jump you into a successful career in line work.” Alumni frequently report that the investment “paid off every penny.”
In-Depth Instruction: Students appreciate the comprehensive curriculum, which teaches not only climbing and grid mechanics but also resume writing, interviewing skills, and other professional tools.
Excellent Facilities: The campus and equipment are described as “Very nice” and the facility is called “Amazing.”
High Employment/Graduation Rates: NLC reports an 84% graduation rate and a 73% employment rate for its Electrical Lineworker Program (based on 2023-2024 data). The school also has connections to major industry employers like Quanta.
Common Criticisms
Mandatory/Schematic Housing Issues: This is a persistent and highly detailed complaint. Several reviewers reported that the required housing through Collegiate Housing Services (CHS) was an “absolute joke,” “so expensive,” and a potential “scheme to get you to unknowingly enter into a contract.” Students felt overcharged and trapped, with one advising others to “go with anything other than CHS.”
Anti-Union Bias and Training Focus: This is a significant point of contention for many in the trade. Reviewers claimed that the “Teachers and staff push non union labor the entire time,” and do not “brush up on both sides.” Other professionals in the trade warn that the training focuses too heavily on “lineman rodeos” (speed) rather than the reality of the trade, potentially leading to “severe meaningless injuries.”
Financing and Costs: One parent noted concerns about the recommended financing and the difficulty in refinancing post-graduation, in addition to the school’s high cost compared to other options.
Strict Grading: One student reported paying over $20k for the program only to fail for scoring 69.94%, falling just short of the 70% minimum passing grade.
Momentum
NLC’s momentum is mixed and contentious. While the college continues to enroll students and receive positive feedback on its facilities and career outcomes (often attributed to the individual’s effort), the recurring, highly-rated negative reviews about the associated housing and the perceived anti-union training bias create a significant counter-narrative. The school remains a major player in the industry but faces strong public debate and skepticism from some in the professional lineman community.