Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Visit Website

Northwestern University's main campus sits along Lake Michigan in Evanston, offering students both a traditional campus environment and easy access to Chicago. Students are known to be ambitious and driven, with strengths across many academic disciplines, especially in communication, journalism, and theater. The university is distinctive for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and unique programs, like the Integrated Engineering Studies program. Northwestern's location provides opportunities for internships and cultural experiences in a major metropolitan area.

Programs Analyzed
29
Avg Grad Earnings
$58,255/yr
Avg DegreeOutlook Score
45/100
Tuition (Sticker Price)
$65,997/yr

Financial Aid & Net Price

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 19% of students receive Pell Grants and 19% take federal loans.

Family Income Avg Net Price/yr 4-Year Net Cost Net-Price ROI
$0 – $30K $1,243 $4,972 117.2x
$30K – $48K $3,373 $13,492 43.2x
$48K – $75K $6,485 $25,940 22.5x
$75K – $110K $14,059 $56,236 10.4x
$110K+ $48,837 $195,348 3.0x
Sticker price (no aid) $65,997 $263,988 2.2x

Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.

All Programs at Northwestern University

29 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.

Program DW Score Earnings AI Risk ROI
Computer Science
Compare across schools
78 $99,981/yr Very High 4.9x
Economics
Compare across schools
73 $84,932/yr Very High 3.8x
Mathematics
Compare across schools
66 $79,530/yr Very High 3.5x
Industrial Engineering
Compare across schools
65 $89,811/yr High 4.2x
Chemical Engineering
Compare across schools
63 $80,709/yr High 3.6x
Information Science/Studies
Compare across schools
62 $102,998/yr Very High 2.9x
Mechanical Engineering
Compare across schools
61 $75,253/yr Very High 2.9x
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Compare across schools
59 $68,592/yr High 3.9x
Applied Mathematics
Compare across schools
54 $94,684/yr Very High 2.6x
Human Resources Management and Services
Compare across schools
53 $82,255/yr High 2.1x
Community Organization and Advocacy
Compare across schools
52 $61,009/yr High 2.3x
Political Science and Government
Compare across schools
51 $54,737/yr Very High 1.9x
Communication and Media Studies
Compare across schools
48 $52,210/yr High 2.4x
Statistics
Compare across schools
47 $77,917/yr Very High 2.0x
International Relations
Compare across schools
47 $58,326/yr High 1.8x
History
Compare across schools
47 $50,161/yr High 1.7x
Psychology, General
Compare across schools
42 $44,088/yr High 1.7x
Journalism
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39 $50,426/yr Very High 1.7x
Public Health
Compare across schools
39 $39,956/yr High 0.5x
Public Policy Analysis
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38 $48,558/yr High 1.3x
Sociology
Compare across schools
31 $38,402/yr High 1.2x
Anthropology
Compare across schools
31 $33,208/yr High 0.3x
Psychology, Other
Compare across schools
30 $36,890/yr High 1.3x
Ethnic & Cultural Minority
Compare across schools
27 $39,012/yr Very High 0.5x
Music
Compare across schools
26 $34,823/yr High 0.8x
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Compare across schools
25 $35,334/yr High 0.3x
English Language and Literature, General
Compare across schools
22 $31,748/yr Very High 1.3x
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Compare across schools
21 $24,611/yr High 0.9x
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Compare across schools
14 $19,245/yr Moderate 0.8x
Compare any program at Northwestern University with another school. Use the comparison tool →
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →