At $26,734/yr net price, Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates earn $54,914/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,914/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,734 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,914/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,914/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,891 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,003/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,176/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,262/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,928/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,786/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,715 | $29,436 |
| Education, General. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $20,833 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $22,000 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $41,565 | $29,751 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $39,049 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $31,853 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $21,514 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northwest University's Center for Online and Extended Education delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation across programs. Your career outcomes depend heavily on which major you choose.
Business administration graduates see the strongest returns, earning nearly $78,000 annually despite carrying higher debt loads around $29,000. This creates a solid pathway to financial stability that justifies the investment. Education majors fare moderately well at $56,000, though some specialized teaching tracks drop to $44,000 with comparable debt burdens.
The school's 31% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly seven out of ten students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 71% retention rate signals many students struggle with the online format or academic demands early on.
International studies majors face poor financial prospects, earning just $41,565 while carrying nearly $30,000 in debt. This combination creates a challenging repayment scenario that makes the program financially questionable.
You should consider this school if you plan to study business and can commit to completing your degree through the online format. The relatively low median debt of $20,891 keeps borrowing manageable for successful graduates. However, the limited financial aid reach affects only 21% of students, meaning most pay close to the full net price.
Avoid this school if you struggle with online learning or lack strong self-discipline. The high dropout rate suggests many students underestimate the challenges of distance education. The weak graduation rate makes this a poor choice if you need extensive academic support or prefer traditional classroom environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education worth the cost?
With a net price of $26,734 annually and median earnings of $54,914 ten years after graduation, Northwest University's online programs offer modest returns. The 30.8% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the value proposition for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $77,715 annually, making it the strongest ROI program. Education programs pay considerably less at $44,170-$55,964, which may not justify the tuition cost for many students.
How much debt do Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates have?
The median debt is $20,891, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, this figure only reflects students who completed their programs, not the 69% who don't graduate.
Does Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary significantly by program, with business graduates earning nearly double what education graduates make. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs and see any return on investment.