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Northwestern University
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.
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 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 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 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 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 Compare across schools |
42 |
$44,088/yr |
High |
1.7x |
Journalism Compare across schools |
39 |
$50,426/yr |
Very High |
1.7x |
Public Health Compare across schools |
39 |
$39,956/yr |
High |
0.5x |
Public Policy Analysis Compare across schools |
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 Studies Compare across schools |
30 |
$36,890/yr |
High |
1.3x |
Ethnic & Cultural Studies Compare across schools |
27 |
$39,012/yr |
Very High |
0.5x |
Music Compare across schools |
26 |
$34,823/yr |
High |
0.8x |
Neuroscience Compare across schools |
25 |
$35,334/yr |
High |
0.3x |
English 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 |
Theater & Drama Compare across schools |
14 |
$19,245/yr |
Moderate |
0.8x |
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →