Business/Commerce at Northeastern University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Northeastern University's business program delivers exceptional value, with first-year graduates earning $74,868—nearly 60% more than the national median for business majors ($47,506) and 47% above the Massachusetts state median ($50,848). This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Massachusetts, significantly outperforming even other strong programs in the state like UMass Dartmouth ($59,287) and Brandeis ($55,806).
The debt picture is equally compelling. At $24,000 in median debt, graduates owe $2,000 less than both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32—meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with about four months of gross salary. Strong earnings growth of 22% by year four ($91,376) further strengthens the investment case. While admission is highly competitive (6% acceptance rate), those who get in are positioned for financial success.
The robust sample size gives confidence in these numbers, and the combination of above-average earnings with below-average debt makes this one of the strongest business programs in the country from a pure ROI perspective. For families who can secure admission, this represents an outstanding investment in their child's financial future.
Where Northeastern University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Northeastern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northeastern University graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | $74,868 | $91,376 | $24,000 | 0.32 |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $59,287 | — | $24,973 | 0.42 |
| Brandeis University | $55,806 | $78,672 | $26,000 | 0.47 |
| Western New England University | $50,921 | — | — | — |
| Framingham State University | $50,775 | $50,799 | $26,000 | 0.51 |
| Regis College | $49,677 | $50,413 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth | $15,208 | $59,287 | $24,973 |
| Brandeis University Waltham | $64,946 | $55,806 | $26,000 |
| Western New England University Springfield | $46,430 | $50,921 | — |
| Framingham State University Framingham | $11,630 | $50,775 | $26,000 |
| Regis College Weston | $47,770 | $49,677 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northeastern University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 679 graduates with reported earnings and 555 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.