DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · EVANSTON, IL · PRIVATE

Northwestern University

Northwestern University
7.1%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

Northwestern University Graduate Earnings Overview

$76,844
Median Salary (6yr)
$89,363
Median Salary (10yr)
$15,000
Median Debt
6.0x
Earnings / Debt

Northwestern University graduates earn a median of $89,363 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $15,000. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.

Salary by Major at Northwestern University

Earnings data by program, measured four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankNorthwestern University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Business $85,250 $55,000 +55%
Health Professions $80,600 $52,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Legal Professions $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Communication & Journalism $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
History $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Education $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55%
English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Family & Consumer Sciences $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Most Popular Majors at Northwestern University

What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Social Sciences
20.3%
Communication
11.3%
Engineering
11.0%
Psychology
8.6%
Biological Sciences
8.5%
Computer Science
7.5%
Visual/Performing Arts
6.2%
Mathematics/Statistics
6.1%
Public Administration
4.0%
Health Professions
2.6%
Physical Sciences
2.0%

Is Northwestern University Worth It? The ROI Verdict

Northwestern University delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.

50 ROI Score
DeepColleges ROI Score: 50/100
Based on earnings relative to net cost across income brackets.

Northwestern University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankNorthwestern University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Business $85,250 $55,000 +55%
Health Professions $80,600 $52,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Legal Professions $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Communication & Journalism $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
History $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Education $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55%
English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Family & Consumer Sciences $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Northwestern University Salary & ROI FAQs

What do Northwestern University graduates actually earn?
Northwestern University graduates earn a median of $89,363 10 years post-graduation, up from $76,844 at 6 years out. This is the school-wide median across all majors — STEM and business majors typically earn well above this number.
Which majors at Northwestern University have the highest salary?
Top-earning majors at Northwestern University include Computer Science ($116,250); Engineering ($111,600); Mathematics & Statistics ($96,100). Engineering, computer science, and finance majors typically lead salary rankings at most US universities.
Is a Northwestern University degree worth the cost?
A 4-year Northwestern University degree costs about $66,256 for the average family (after aid). Median grads earn $89,363/yr at 10 years out — meaning most graduates pay back the cost within a few years of full-time work.
How much debt do Northwestern University students graduate with?
Median federal loan debt for Northwestern University graduates is $15,000. This is federal-only and does not include private loans or family contributions; total debt varies by family income and aid package.
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More About Northwestern University

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate Northwestern University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Northwestern University Northwestern University Salary & ROI Northwestern University AP Credit Best Majors at Northwestern University Northwestern University Housing International at Northwestern University

Other Colleges in IL

University of Chicago
4.8% accept · Chicago
University of Illinois
43.7% accept · Champaign
Loyola University Chicago
81.4% accept · Chicago

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Northwestern University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.