Business/Commerce, General at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,868/yr (55% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #31 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business/Commerce, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $846K $817K $704K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$110,708
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $74,868 put Northeastern University's Business/Commerce, General program 55% above the national median of $48,211 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $74,868 far exceeding the $22,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #31 out of 242 programs, Northeastern University's Business/Commerce, General program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $74,868 to $110,708 shows 48% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Commerce, General at Other Schools

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeastern University's Business/Commerce, General program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Northeastern University's Business/Commerce, General graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Business/Commerce, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Business/Commerce, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Northeastern University rank so high for Business/Commerce, General?
The #31 ranking out of 242 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →