Northwestern College graduates consistently achieve financial stability, with above-average earnings and exceptional loan repayment success that reflects strong career preparation.
The combination of solid long-term earnings and zero loan defaults demonstrates how effectively the college prepares students for stable, well-paying careers.
Northwestern College is a small private nonprofit institution in Orange City, Iowa, that combines Christian liberal arts education with practical career preparation. While the college serves a more selective student population—with about 23% receiving Pell Grants and 13% being first-generation students—it delivers solid long-term outcomes for those it enrolls. Graduates earn a median of $49,802 ten years after enrollment, placing Northwestern in the 68th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The college's strength lies in its focused approach to education and strong student support systems. With fewer than 1,200 students, Northwestern provides the kind of personal attention and mentorship that helps students succeed academically and professionally. The institution's loan repayment rates are exceptionally strong, with over 92% of borrowers successfully repaying their federal loans, indicating that graduates generally find stable employment that allows them to manage their educational debt effectively.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Northwestern College balances moderate access with reliable outcomes, making it a solid choice for students who thrive in smaller, more structured educational environments and value the integration of faith with academic and career development.
Northwestern College's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical career preparation in high-demand fields. The Adult Health Nursing program, with 24 graduates earning a median of $61,516, represents the college's strongest financial outcomes and reflects the ongoing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. This program combines rigorous clinical training with the personal attention that characterizes Northwestern's educational approach.
Business Administration and Management serves as the college's largest program, graduating 38 students with median earnings of $41,193. While these earnings are more moderate, they reflect the diverse career paths available to business graduates and the solid foundation the program provides for various professional opportunities. The program's size indicates strong student interest and the college's commitment to preparing graduates for leadership roles across different sectors.
As a focused institution, Northwestern concentrates its resources on programs where it can provide exceptional preparation and support. This approach creates strong employer relationships and alumni networks that benefit students in both nursing and business fields, contributing to the college's exceptional loan repayment rates and stable employment outcomes for graduates.
Northwestern College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $49,802 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the college in the 68th percentile nationally, indicating that graduates generally find stable, well-paying employment. The college's small size allows for focused career preparation and strong alumni networks that help students transition successfully into the workforce.
The strongest financial returns come from Northwestern's nursing and business programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $61,516 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the college's reputation for preparing skilled nurses. Business Administration and Management, the college's largest program with 38 graduates, produces median earnings of $41,193, providing solid returns for students entering various business sectors. These programs represent Northwestern's core strengths in professional preparation, combining rigorous academics with practical training that employers value.
What makes Northwestern particularly reliable is how consistently graduates manage their educational investments. With a 92% loan repayment rate and zero federal loan default rate, the college demonstrates that its career preparation translates into stable employment outcomes that allow graduates to service their educational debt successfully.
Northwestern College maintains relatively consistent pricing across income levels, with low-income students paying about $21,342 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $20,674. Even high-income families pay $26,036, creating a fairly compressed pricing structure that reflects the college's commitment to accessibility within its private nonprofit model. This consistency helps families plan financially and reduces the dramatic cost variations seen at many private institutions.
Debt levels at Northwestern are moderate and manageable for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $23,249, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,688. These amounts, combined with the college's strong employment outcomes, create a sustainable financial picture for most students. The zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that Northwestern graduates consistently find employment that allows them to meet their repayment obligations.
The college's financial aid approach emphasizes predictability and support rather than dramatic discounting. This creates a more transparent cost structure where families understand their obligations upfront and can plan accordingly, contributing to the strong repayment outcomes that characterize Northwestern graduates.
Northwestern College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
