Northern Lakes College (NLC) serves the needs of rural communities throughout north-central Alberta. NLC provides opportunities to students who want flexible learning options, allowing them to balance work, school and family. Programs and services are available through supported distance learning, a flexible learning option for students who wish to obtain a certificate or diploma without moving away from home.

NLC offers a range of certificates and diplomas in academic upgrading, apprenticeship trades, business and administrative studies, health careers, human services careers, pre-employment trades, resource technology and university studies. The college collaborates with university partners to provide degree-completion opportunities: diploma courses counting toward a bachelor of education or social work. Dual-credit programming allows high school students to experience college programs while earning both high school and post-secondary credits. Mobile training labs allow the college to offer students practical trade-related experiences in their home communities. The continuing education and corporate training department provides a variety of professional accreditation and certificate programs. 

NLC has residences at its Grouard, Slave Lake and Stony Point (Wabasca) campuses.