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 gives you a moderate financial return with a wide gap between programs. Median earnings ten years out land near $50,755, while median debt sits at $21,325, so a typical graduate can cover loan payments without drowning. That balance holds up because debt stays contained and the 68% graduation rate and 84% retention mean most people who enroll finish and start earning.
Nursing is the clear winner here, pairing the highest pay with debt that stays proportional to the payoff. Accounting and business administration also clear their costs comfortably, and business administration does it while carrying the lowest debt of any top program. Teacher education is the weak spot: you take on the most debt of any listed major while earning the least, which is a poor trade given the Twin Cities' cost of living. Marketing pays modestly but keeps debt low, so it works out closer to even.
The main risk is picking a low-earning major at a private-college net price of $25,140 a year. If you borrow $27,000 for teaching, the math turns against you fast. The regional job market rewards nursing and business roles far more than education roles, so your major choice drives your outcome more than the school name does.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay around $19,000 to $22,000, and the cost climbs to nearly $30,000 once you cross $110,000. So this is a good financial fit if you qualify for aid and target nursing, accounting, or business. If you plan to teach and your family pays close to full price, look at a public university where the same career carries far less debt.
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.