At $25,161/yr net price, Northwest University 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) | $25,161 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,914/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,914/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% |
| 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 | $14,935/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,418/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,757/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,518/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,535/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 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $22,767 |
| Education, General. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $20,833 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,971 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $22,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $41,789 | $41,000 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $41,565 | $29,751 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $39,049 |
The Risk Factor
63.5% of students at Northwest University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Northwest University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $25,161 annual net price sits in reasonable territory, but median earnings of $54,914 ten years after graduation create a tight margin for financial success.
Business Administration and Nursing stand out as the clear winners financially. Business Administration graduates earn $77,715 annually despite carrying higher debt loads of $29,436, while Nursing graduates make $69,338 with more manageable debt of $22,767. These programs justify the investment given Seattle's strong job market for both fields.
Marketing graduates face significant challenges with earnings of just $44,971, creating a poor return on investment. Education majors earn $55,964, which barely covers the financial commitment given teacher salary constraints in Washington state.
The school's 63.5% graduation rate presents real completion risk. Nearly four out of ten students fail to finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 73% retention rate signals students struggle with the academic or financial demands early on.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. This makes Northwest University primarily viable for families who can afford the full cost or students pursuing the high-earning Business and Nursing programs.
You should consider Northwest University if you plan to study Business or Nursing and can handle the full cost of attendance. Look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, want to study liberal arts fields, or have concerns about completing your degree. The school works best for focused, financially stable students targeting specific career paths in the Seattle market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest University worth the cost?
Northwest University's value depends heavily on your program choice. Business and nursing graduates earn $70,000+ within 10 years, making the $25,161 annual cost reasonable, but education and marketing majors face weaker returns with higher debt risk.
What is the ROI for Northwest University graduates?
Northwest University graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $20,891. The ROI varies significantly by major, with business administration and nursing offering the strongest financial returns.
How much debt do Northwest University students graduate with?
Northwest University students graduate with a median debt of $20,891, which is manageable for high-earning programs like nursing and business but concerning for lower-paying fields like education where starting salaries barely cover loan payments.
Which Northwest University programs have the best job prospects?
Business administration and nursing programs at Northwest University offer the strongest job prospects, with graduates earning $69,000-$77,000 within 10 years. Education and marketing programs show significantly lower earning potential relative to the cost of attendance.