At $32,116/yr net price, Northeastern University graduates earn $92,538/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $58,538/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,116 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $128,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,538/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,538/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 90.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,900/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,383/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,482/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,109/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,753/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $133,543 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $110,878 | $57,068 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $102,123 | $37,167 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $101,072 | $47,834 |
| Taxation. | Master | $100,518 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $92,124 | $29,042 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $89,564 | $25,002 |
The Risk Factor
90.4% of students at Northeastern University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Northeastern University delivers strong financial returns that justify its premium price tag. The median graduate earns $92,538 ten years after enrollment, well above the national average, while manageable debt levels of $24,250 keep loan payments reasonable relative to earning power.
Your major choice at Northeastern matters enormously for ROI. Nursing programs top the earnings charts at $133,543, making them strong investments despite higher debt loads. Business graduates earn over $100,000 annually, though they carry nearly $48,000 in debt. Pharmacy and taxation programs also clear six figures. The co-op program gives most majors a significant earnings boost by providing real work experience before graduation.
The biggest financial risk is Northeastern's selectivity in merit aid. Only 12% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting most families pay close to full price. Your ability to afford the $32,116 annual net price without excessive borrowing determines whether this investment makes sense.
Northeastern works financially for families who can afford the high upfront costs or students targeting high-earning fields like healthcare, business, or STEM. The excellent 90% graduation rate and 98% retention rate minimize the risk of dropping out with debt but no degree. Students considering lower-earning majors or those requiring significant financial aid should examine more affordable alternatives.
The co-op program provides both earning opportunities during school and valuable work experience that translates to higher starting salaries. This practical training justifies much of Northeastern's premium pricing, but only if you complete your degree and enter a field where the experience advantage matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeastern University worth the high cost?
Northeastern graduates earn $92,538 annually 10 years after graduation, which is strong relative to the $32,116 annual net price. The co-op program and high job placement rates help justify costs for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Northeastern University?
Nursing programs lead at $133,543 median earnings, followed by pharmacy at $102,123 and business at $101,072. These programs offer the strongest return on investment at Northeastern.
How much student debt do Northeastern University graduates have?
Median debt is $24,250, which is manageable given graduate earnings of $92,538. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for most programs.
Does Northeastern University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $32,116 represents significant aid from the full sticker price. However, families should expect substantial costs even with aid packages.