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
The financial return here is weak, and the low graduation rate makes it riskier. Only about 31% of students finish, and just 71% return after their first year. If you enroll and don't graduate, you carry debt with no degree to show for it.
Business Administration is the one program that pays off. At $53,775 a year with about $20,800 in debt, your earnings roughly match your borrowing, which is a workable ratio. Teacher Education lands lower at $44,170 while carrying slightly more debt, so it clears the bar but with less room. Theological and Ministerial Studies and Psychology are the problems: both pay under $32,000, and Theological Studies pairs its $31,853 with the highest debt on the list at $25,000. Borrowing more to earn less is a bad trade, and these two majors put you there.
The core risk is completion. A degree you don't finish still costs you the net price and any loans you took out. In Kirkland's Seattle-area market, $54,914 median earnings ten years out is modest for a private school charging nearly $27,000 a year.
This school fits you if you're set on Business Administration, or if ministry work is your specific goal and you accept the low pay that comes with it. If you're drawn to Psychology, the numbers say look elsewhere.
On price by income: families earning under $30,000 pay about $22,000 a year, and that figure barely drops for lower incomes while climbing to nearly $31,000 for families over $110,000. Even the lowest tier is expensive relative to what most graduates earn, so run the four-year total against a realistic starting salary before you commit.
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.