Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,414/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,414/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $102,335 | $79,172 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $86,867 | $84,513 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $70,232 | $72,765 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $60,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $58,673 | $52,946 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,990 | $37,054 |
| Education, General. | Master | $47,312 | $36,166 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $44,542 | $40,548 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,729 | $50,963 |
| Education, General. | Certificate | $38,829 | $42,085 |
Analysis
Northcentral University gives you a mixed financial picture that leans weak, with median earnings around $48,000 ten years out. The saving grace is debt: a $12,500 median load is low, so you are not digging out of a deep hole even if your salary disappoints.
The payoff depends heavily on your major here. Business Administration is the clear winner, paying nearly double what the education and psychology programs return. If you graduate into business at this school, the numbers work. Education and psychology graduates earn in the mid-$30,000s, which barely clears what many jobs pay without a degree. Those two programs are the ones to think hard about before enrolling.
The specific risk at Northcentral is the gap between programs. Choosing psychology or general education means you are paying private-nonprofit tuition for earnings that trail the school's own median by more than $12,000. The low debt cushions this, but low debt does not turn a $34,000 salary into a good return.
This school fits you if you are targeting the business track and want to keep borrowing minimal. The $12,500 median debt means you can graduate without a payment that swallows your paycheck, which matters most when your starting salary is modest.
Look elsewhere if your goal is psychology or general education and you need those degrees to pay for themselves quickly. The earnings there do not justify private tuition.
On net price by income: the lower tiers matter most for you, since a smaller sticker price is what keeps the education and psychology math from turning negative. Higher-income families paying closer to full price should weigh that cost against the school's middling median earnings before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northcentral University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northcentral University graduates earn $48,414 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. The relatively low median debt of $12,500 helps offset the lower earnings, but the return on investment remains modest compared to higher-earning programs at other institutions.
What are the highest paying programs at Northcentral University?
Business Administration graduates from certain programs can earn over $100,000, with one track reaching $102,335 annually. Psychology graduates typically earn around $86,867, while Education majors average $70,232. However, other business tracks show significantly lower earnings in the $58,000-$60,000 range.
How much debt do Northcentral University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Northcentral University graduates is $12,500, which is relatively low compared to many universities. This lower debt burden makes the financial risk more manageable, even with the school's below-average graduate earnings.
Should I attend Northcentral University for a business degree?
Northcentral University's business programs show wide earning variation, from $58,673 to $102,335 depending on the specific track. Research the exact program carefully, as some business concentrations significantly outperform others in terms of graduate earnings.