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 runs a middling financial return. Median earnings ten years out land near $51,700, which sits above the $23,750 median debt but leaves little cushion once you factor in a net price above $25,000 a year. A 59.9% graduation rate is the bigger risk here: four in ten students who start don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns bad fast.
Nursing is the clear win. At $63,005, it pays roughly $24,000 more per year than the next-best program, and it carries the higher debt load ($27,000) that a nursing degree can actually service. Idaho's demand for registered nurses backs this up, so if you're aiming for the nursing track, NNU pays off.
The other programs are weak. Business Administration graduates earn around $39,000, teacher education about $32,900, and communication studies about $33,300. Teacher ed graduates leave with nearly $24,000 in debt on a starting salary under $33,000, which is a tight squeeze for years. If you're headed into education, communication, or general business, expect a slow financial payoff.
The net price tiers are close to flat across income. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $22,900. if it earns over $110,000, about $28,000. That $5,000 spread is small, so lower-income families get less discounting than at schools with steeper aid curves. Roughly a third of students receive Pell Grants, meaning many come from limited-income households paying most of the sticker.
NNU makes financial sense if you enter nursing. If you're set on teaching, communication, or business, the numbers say borrow as little as possible and compare cheaper in-state public options before committing.
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.