Orange City, IA · Private University
Is Northwestern College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,802
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$35,300
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,300
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$141,200
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.41x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
63.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,249
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$23,519
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northwestern College graduates earn $4,802 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northwestern College ranked by graduate earnings
36 graduates
24 graduates
44 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northwestern College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $71,479 | 2.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations(1yr data) | $48,515 | 1.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $42,441 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northwestern College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $49,802 10 years after starting, $4,802 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.5 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.