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
Earnings Distribution
How Northeastern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | $74,868 | $91,376 | +22% |
| Brandeis University | $55,806 | $78,672 | +41% |
| Nichols College | $44,801 | $58,542 | +31% |
| Westfield State University | $41,862 | $56,699 | +35% |
| Framingham State University | $50,775 | $50,799 | +0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $74,868 | $91,376 | $24,000 | 0.32 |
 University of Massachusetts-DartmouthNorth Dartmouth | $15,208 | $59,287 | — | $24,973 | 0.42 |
 Brandeis UniversityWaltham | $64,946 | $55,806 | $78,672 | $26,000 | 0.47 |
 Western New England UniversitySpringfield | $46,430 | $50,921 | — | — | — |
 Framingham State UniversityFramingham | $11,630 | $50,775 | $50,799 | $26,000 | 0.51 |
 Regis CollegeWeston | $47,770 | $49,677 | $50,413 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.