At $25,140/yr net price, University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates earn $50,755/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,755/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,140 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,755/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,755/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,325 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,812/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,037/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,077/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,781/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,865/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. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $59,124 | $25,038 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $20,598 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $47,260 | $24,443 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $17,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,518 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.4% of students at University of Northwestern-St Paul graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Northwestern-St Paul delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $25,140 annual net price positions this Christian university in the middle range for private colleges, but your career earnings will vary dramatically by major.
Nursing provides the strongest ROI at this school, with graduates earning $60,771 annually against $25,000 in debt. Accounting also performs well at $59,124, while business administration graduates see solid returns at $55,964 with lower debt loads of $20,598. These programs justify the tuition cost through strong regional job markets in the Twin Cities area.
Theological and ministerial studies present a concerning financial picture. With graduates earning just $47,260 while carrying $24,443 in debt, ministry-focused students face a difficult payback period. This creates a particular risk at Northwestern, where many students pursue calling-based careers with limited earning potential.
The 68% graduation rate signals retention challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree. Only 15% of students receive institutional aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities compared to peer schools. This makes Northwestern a poor fit if you need substantial financial assistance beyond federal aid.
You should consider Northwestern if you plan to study nursing, accounting, or business and can handle the net price without excessive borrowing. The school works best for middle-class families who don't qualify for need-based aid elsewhere. Avoid this school if you need significant merit scholarships or plan to study ministry without additional income sources. The combination of modest aid and program-dependent outcomes makes careful major selection critical for positive returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Northwestern-St Paul worth the cost?
With a net price of $25,140 and median earnings of $50,755 after 10 years, Northwestern-St Paul offers moderate value. The school's nursing and business programs show strong earning potential, but theology graduates earn significantly less at $47,260 annually.
What are the best paying majors at University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Nursing leads with $60,771 in median earnings, followed by accounting at $59,124 and business administration at $55,964. These programs justify the cost better than theology, which averages $47,260.
How much debt do University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates have?
The median debt is $21,325, which is manageable for nursing and business graduates but creates more financial pressure for theology majors earning $20,000 less annually.
What is the graduation rate at University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Only 68% of students graduate, meaning about one in three students leave without a degree despite paying tuition. This completion rate is below the national average and adds financial risk.