At $24,929/yr net price, Northwestern College graduates earn $37,871/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,871/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,929 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,871/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,871/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,589/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,276/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,226/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Northwestern College 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
Northwestern College delivers poor return on investment for most students. The median graduate earns just $37,871 ten years after enrollment while carrying $19,000 in debt, creating a challenging financial picture that gets worse when you factor in the 33% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, with graduates earning $60,072 annually despite higher debt loads of $27,000. Allied health diagnostic programs also show promise at $46,673 in median earnings. Every other major produces concerning results, with business administration graduates earning just $35,594 and legal support services trailing at $33,077.
The school's biggest financial risk is the graduation rate. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their degree, yet many still accumulate debt. For-profit institutions like Northwestern College typically offer less generous financial aid than traditional colleges, making the $24,929 annual net price particularly steep given the weak earning outcomes.
You should only consider Northwestern College if you plan to study nursing and have exhausted options at community colleges or public universities with stronger nursing programs. The school makes financial sense for students who need flexible scheduling for nursing prerequisites and can commit to completing the program.
Everyone else should look elsewhere. Business, legal support, and health administration students will find better ROI at community colleges or regional public universities. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings makes Northwestern College a poor investment for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern College in Oak Lawn worth the cost?
Northwestern College has poor overall ROI with graduates earning just $37,871 ten years after enrollment despite a net price of nearly $25,000 annually. The low 34% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Northwestern College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $60,000 annually, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Allied health programs pay $46,673 while business graduates earn just $35,594.
How much debt do Northwestern College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $19,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with the low graduation rate and modest earnings for most programs, even this amount can be difficult to repay.
Does Northwestern College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $24,929 after aid, Northwestern College's financial assistance appears limited. The high cost relative to graduate earnings makes it a risky investment for most career paths outside of nursing.