Northwestern College: $18,475 Tuition

$18,475Tuition

464Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,871Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Northwestern College

Northwestern College focuses heavily on healthcare training and professional programs in the Chicago suburbs. The school enrolls 464 students on its Oak Lawn campus, drawing exclusively from Illinois. This institution has built its reputation around nursing, medical assisting, and other allied health programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce.

Students face steep costs relative to outcomes here. The average net price reaches $24,929 annually, but graduates earn a median of just $37,871 ten years after enrollment. Most students borrow money, with 75% taking federal loans and graduating with typical debt of $19,000. The monthly loan payment of $201 can strain budgets when paired with below-average starting salaries. Only 22% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

The student body tells a distinct story about who this school serves. Women make up 96% of enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally female-dominated healthcare fields. Black students represent 67% of the campus, while Hispanic students account for 21%. Nearly 75% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention, though graduation rates remain concerning with only 34% completing degrees within four years.

Academics & Faculty

Northwestern College focuses primarily on healthcare and medical training programs. The school maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, providing close mentorship in hands-on medical fields. However, only 33.7% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenging nature of healthcare programs and the diverse academic backgrounds of incoming students. The college serves as a pathway for students entering nursing, medical assisting, and other allied health professions. With 95.69% female enrollment, the student body mirrors the demographics of many healthcare training programs. The quarter system allows students to complete coursework quickly and enter the workforce. Most graduates find employment immediately, with a 95% employment rate demonstrating strong industry connections.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 25.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,871
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$60,072
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$46,673
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$35,594
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$33,077
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$31,853
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$25,907
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$24,421
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$24,035
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$23,456
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$17,779

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Northwestern College sits in Oak Lawn, just 20 miles southwest of Chicago's Loop. With 96% women and 67% Black students, the campus has a distinct demographic makeup that shapes its tight-knit community feel. The small enrollment of 464 students means you'll recognize faces quickly across the quarter-system calendar.

Chicago's harsh winters demand heavy coats and boots for navigating between classes, while summers bring humidity and the need for air conditioning. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance. Since this is primarily a commuter school with 100% in-state students, weekends often see the campus empty as students return to family obligations or part-time jobs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for personalized attention during the week. Many students juggle coursework with work schedules, reflected in the practical career-focused programs. The proximity to Chicago provides internship opportunities, though the $201 monthly loan payment burden means students often prioritize immediate employment over unpaid experiences.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1902

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–32°F
July Avg: 68°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.9"
Annual Snowfall: 38.8"

Student Demographics

Northwestern College draws students from across Chicago's diverse communities, with nearly every student staying in-state. The school serves primarily women of color, reflecting its focus on healthcare and professional programs that have historically attracted these demographics. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to making career training accessible to working-class families. The student body represents the broader Oak Lawn area, with significant Black and Hispanic enrollment. Students typically choose Northwestern for its practical approach to professional education rather than traditional college experiences.

Men: 4.3%
Women: 95.7%
White: 8.8%
Black: 67.5%
Hispanic: 21.3%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 74.9%

Location

Northwestern College sits in Oak Lawn, Illinois, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The suburb houses 464 students in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Oak Lawn blends residential neighborhoods with commercial strips typical of Chicagoland's sprawling suburbs. Students have access to the city's extensive public transit system connecting them to Chicago's Loop and cultural districts. The college draws 100% of its student body from Illinois residents. Women make up 95.69% of enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and traditionally female-dominated fields. The suburban setting provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining proximity to one of America's largest cities. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Northwestern College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,871
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,771
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 22.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northwestern College known for academically?

Northwestern College serves primarily female students with women making up 95.69% of the student body. The school maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and operates on a quarter system. This private institution has built its reputation around healthcare and professional programs.

How much does Northwestern College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,929 despite tuition of $18,475. About 74.90% of students receive financial aid, though only 4.31% receive institutional grants averaging $2,684. Most students rely on federal loans with 75.49% taking out loans.

What are the graduation rates at Northwestern College?

Northwestern College has a 33.70% six-year graduation rate and a 35.34% four-year graduation rate. These rates reflect the challenges many working adult learners face in completing their degrees. The school focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment.

How much do Northwestern College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $37,871 ten years after enrollment and $42,771 five years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.0% for graduates. However, the loan repayment rate stands at only 22.41% with monthly payments averaging $201.

Where is Northwestern College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Oak Lawn, Illinois, a large suburban area outside Chicago. With only 464 total students and 100% in-state enrollment, the campus maintains an intimate, local community feel. The small size allows for personalized attention in this commuter-focused environment.

What is the student diversity like at Northwestern College?

The student body is 67.46% Black, 21.34% Hispanic, and 8.84% White, making it a minority-serving institution. About 74.90% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic need. This demographic profile reflects the school's mission to serve underrepresented communities in healthcare education.