Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $37,871
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 22.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,072 | $27,000 |
| 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 | $12,667 |
| 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 | $12,667 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Associate | $17,551 |
Outcomes Overview
Northwestern College graduates enter a challenging financial landscape despite strong employment outcomes. The 95% employment rate suggests solid job placement, but median earnings of $37,871 ten years after graduation create strain when paired with typical debt loads. Graduates carry a median debt of $19,000, resulting in monthly payments of $201 that consume about 6.4% of their gross income. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5 falls within manageable territory, though the low loan repayment rate of 22% signals many borrowers struggle with payments. Most graduates enter healthcare fields, particularly nursing and medical assisting, where starting salaries often begin below the median. This represents an average return on investment with mixed financial outcomes.