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
The numbers for Northwestern College in Oak Lawn are hard to justify financially. You pay close to $25,000 a year net, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns about $37,871. That gap is the core problem: the cost sits near a private-college level while the earnings land closer to what many people make without a four-year degree at all.
The graduation rate makes this riskier. Only about a third of students finish, so your most likely outcome is leaving with debt and no credential. If that happens, you carry the cost with none of the earnings bump a degree is supposed to buy. The median debt of $19,000 is moderate on its own, but you have to weigh it against a one-in-three chance of finishing and a modest payoff even if you do.
The net price barely moves across income levels here. Families under $30,000 pay about $24,589, and families in the $48,000-$75,000 range actually pay more, around $27,226. Lower income does not buy you a meaningfully cheaper year, so if your family earns little, this price is a heavy lift with no built-in discount. Nearly 75% of students receive Pell Grants, which tells you most of the student body comes in with real financial need paying a price that does not bend to meet it.
This school is a weak financial fit for most people, especially if you would need loans to attend. If you can find a program with a higher completion rate and stronger earnings, look there first. The one case where it might work is a specific licensing or career path you already have lined up that this school directly qualifies you for, where finishing quickly is realistic for you.
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.