At $7,394/yr net price, Northwest College graduates earn $36,950/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,950/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,394 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,950/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,950/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,904/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,056/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,598/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,019/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. | Associate | $50,439 | $17,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,846 | $6,500 |
The Risk Factor
43.8% of students at Northwest College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northwest College is a low-cost bet with a low payoff. You pay about $7,394 a year, and ten years after enrolling the median earnings sit at $36,950. That figure is close to what many people earn without a degree at all, so the salary side of this equation is weak.
The saving grace is debt. Median debt at graduation is $10,000, which is roughly a quarter of one year's median earnings. If you finish, you are not buried. That keeps the downside limited even though the upside is thin.
Finishing is the real risk here. The graduation rate is 43.8%, meaning most people who start do not finish. If you leave without a credential, you still carry whatever costs and debt you took on, with none of the earnings benefit. Your personal odds of completing matter more at this school than at one where almost everyone graduates.
The net price barely moves with income. Families earning under $30,000 pay $6,904, and families earning over $110,000 pay $7,019 , a difference of about $115. Lower-income families do not get the steep discounts you would see at wealthier schools, but the sticker is low enough that the flat pricing hurts less. The $48,000-$75,000 tier actually pays the most at $8,598.
This school fits you if you want an affordable, low-debt start and are confident you will finish. If you need a degree that clearly raises your income, the earnings number says look harder elsewhere.
I left out any claims about specific majors, aid policies, or program quality because the data doesn't support them. If you can share program-level salary data, I'll add that section.Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northwest College offers a relatively low net price of $7,394 per year, making it affordable compared to most four-year institutions. However, graduates earn a median of $36,950 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest College?
Nursing programs at Northwest College provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $50,439 annually. Liberal arts and design programs show significantly lower earning potential at $17,846 and $20,140 respectively.
How much debt do Northwest College students typically graduate with?
Northwest College graduates have a median debt of $10,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earning potential for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest College and does it affect ROI?
Northwest College has a 43.8% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate represents a significant financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.