Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.9%
- Retention Rate
- 68.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,361
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,710
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $230/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $77,715 | $35,074 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $22,539 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $58,673 | $36,780 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $52,822 | $22,026 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $45,500 | $17,500 |
| Social Work. | Master | $44,755 | $41,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,240 | $17,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,119 | $28,084 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,608 | $21,500 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $21,702 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $19,802 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,213 | $20,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,956 | $22,247 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $29,832 | $25,000 |
Outcomes Overview
IU Northwest graduates earn a median of $43,361 ten years after graduation, which is modest but reflects the regional job market in northwest Indiana and nearby Chicago suburbs. Monthly loan payments of $230 consume about 6.3% of typical graduate income, a manageable burden compared to national averages. The median debt load of $21,710 represents a reasonable half-year's salary ratio. Many graduates enter nursing, teaching, and business roles in the Gary-Hammond area or commute to Chicago for better-paying positions. The 94.4% employment rate shows strong job placement success. Given the low net cost of $5,970 and decent earnings potential in a lower-cost region, this represents an average return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.