At $5,970/yr net price, Indiana University-Northwest graduates earn $43,361/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,361/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,970 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,361/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,361/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,710 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,164/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,589/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,463/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,021/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
36.9% of students at Indiana University-Northwest graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Indiana University-Northwest offers strong financial value for students who choose the right programs, but comes with significant completion risks. The $5,970 annual net price makes this one of the most affordable four-year options in Indiana, yet only 37% of students graduate within six years.
Business majors see the strongest returns at $77,715 annually, though they carry higher debt loads at $35,074. Nursing graduates earn $61,516 with more manageable debt of $22,539, making it the sweet spot for ROI. Public administration and allied health programs also deliver solid earning potential above $50,000. These professional programs align well with Northwest Indiana's healthcare systems and Chicago-area business opportunities.
The major financial risk here is not graduating. With a 69% retention rate, nearly one-third of students leave after freshman year. You face real danger of accumulating debt without a degree if you enter underprepared or without clear career direction.
This school works best for local students who can live at home, reducing costs further, and those entering nursing or business programs with strong job placement records. Adult learners and working students benefit from flexible scheduling options. Avoid this school if you need extensive academic support or prefer a traditional college experience, as the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete degrees.
Financial aid reaches only 43% of students, meaning many pay the already-low sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but competition is limited given the regional focus. Your best strategy is choosing a high-earning major and utilizing transfer credits to reduce time to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana University-Northwest worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,970 per year and median debt of $21,710, Indiana University-Northwest offers affordable education. However, the 37% graduation rate and $43,361 average earnings 10 years after graduation suggest mixed value depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying programs at Indiana University-Northwest?
Business and nursing programs offer the strongest earning potential at Indiana University-Northwest, with business graduates earning around $77,715 and nursing graduates earning $61,516. These programs provide better returns than the overall average of $43,361.
How much student debt do Indiana University-Northwest graduates have?
Indiana University-Northwest graduates have a median debt of $21,710, which is manageable given the school's low cost. With average earnings of $43,361, most graduates should be able to handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Indiana University-Northwest?
Only 37% of students graduate from Indiana University-Northwest within six years. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.