At $25,537/yr net price, Northwest Nazarene University graduates earn $51,719/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,719/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,537 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,719/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,719/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,918/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,975/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,101/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,385/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,028/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 | $35,838 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $27,000 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $44,384 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,682 | $54,667 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,565 | $34,167 |
| Social Work. | Master | $40,768 | $47,834 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,729 | $54,667 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,153 | $21,310 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $23,959 |
The Risk Factor
59.9% of students at Northwest Nazarene University 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 Nazarene University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business and nursing majors but concerning debt loads across several programs. The $51,719 median earnings after ten years barely justify the $25,537 annual net price, particularly given the 60% graduation rate.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $64,493 in median earnings despite carrying $35,838 in debt. Nursing also performs well at $63,005 annually with more manageable $27,000 debt loads. These programs position graduates competitively in Idaho's growing healthcare and business sectors.
Mental Health Services presents serious financial risks with graduates carrying $54,667 in debt while earning just $42,682 annually. This debt-to-income ratio creates long-term financial strain that outweighs the program's career benefits. Education majors face similar challenges with $34,167 debt leading to $41,565 earnings.
The 78% retention rate suggests academic fit issues that could extend your time to graduation and increase total costs. Only 29% of students receive aid, indicating limited financial support for middle-income families who may struggle with the full cost burden.
This school works financially if you pursue business or nursing and can graduate within four years. The small class sizes and regional connections benefit career-focused students in these high-demand fields. However, you should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, plan to study education or social services, or lack confidence in completing your degree promptly. The combination of high costs, limited aid, and moderate graduation rates creates financial risk for uncertain students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Nazarene University worth the cost?
Northwest Nazarene University's graduates earn $51,719 after 10 years, which is below average for a private university costing $25,537 annually. The 59.9% graduation rate means 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest Nazarene University?
Business and nursing programs offer the strongest returns at Northwest Nazarene University, with graduates earning around $64,000 annually. Theology and education majors earn significantly less at $44,000 and $41,000 respectively.
How much debt do Northwest Nazarene University graduates have?
Northwest Nazarene University graduates leave with a median debt of $23,750. This debt load is manageable for business and nursing majors but may be problematic for lower-earning fields like theology and education.
Does Northwest Nazarene University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $25,537 after aid, Northwest Nazarene University's financial aid brings costs down but still leaves families paying substantial amounts. The high acceptance rate of 88% suggests less competitive merit aid than at more selective schools.