At $8,463/yr net price, Purdue University Northwest graduates earn $48,318/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,318/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,463 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,852 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,318/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,318/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,229 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,256/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,935/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,143/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,805/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,972/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,867 | $41,226 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,796 | $25,147 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,123 | $17,908 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $62,409 | $26,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $22,352 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $20,750 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $25,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,426 | $28,188 |
The Risk Factor
44.0% of students at Purdue University Northwest graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Purdue University Northwest delivers solid financial returns for specific majors but falls short across many programs. The $8,463 annual net price makes it affordable, but the 44% graduation rate means over half of students never finish their degrees.
Business Administration leads earnings at $86,867 annually, though graduates carry $41,226 in debt. Engineering fields perform well, with electrical engineering graduates earning $72,796 while taking on just $25,147 in debt. Nursing offers strong value at $65,123 in earnings with only $17,908 in debt. These technical programs justify the investment by connecting directly to Northwest Indiana's manufacturing and healthcare job markets.
The financial risks center on program choice and completion. Many liberal arts and social science majors struggle to reach the $48,318 median earnings, making debt repayment difficult. The low graduation rate amplifies this risk since dropouts face loan payments without degree benefits. The 68% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
You should consider Purdue Northwest if you plan to study engineering, nursing, or business and can commit to finishing your degree. The school works well for local students who can live at home and take advantage of the low sticker price. Community college transfers also benefit from the affordable upper-division coursework.
Skip this school if you want liberal arts programs or struggle with academic persistence. The combination of weak support systems and limited career services makes success harder for students who need extra help. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities beyond basic need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purdue University Northwest worth the cost compared to other schools?
Purdue University Northwest offers solid value with a low net price of $8,463 per year and moderate debt levels around $21,229. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying majors at Purdue University Northwest?
Business administration graduates earn around $86,867 annually, while engineering fields pay $72,000-$74,000. These programs offer strong returns given the school's affordable tuition, but nursing graduates earn less at $65,123 despite high demand in the field.
How much debt do Purdue University Northwest graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,229, which is manageable compared to national averages. With 10-year earnings averaging $48,318, graduates in lower-paying fields may struggle with loan payments relative to their income.
Does Purdue University Northwest have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 72% acceptance rate and regional focus means it serves many local students seeking practical career training. Job outcomes vary significantly by program, with business and engineering majors seeing much better salary prospects than the overall graduate average of $48,318.