Est. Earnings (1yr)
$67,911
Est. from national median (47 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,459
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

With first-year earnings estimated around $68,000 and debt near $26,500, this engineering degree shows the financial fundamentals you'd hope to see—a debt burden that's less than 40% of first-year income. While these figures come from comparable bachelor's engineering programs nationally rather than Northwest Nazarene's specific graduates, they align with typical outcomes for the field: engineers generally command strong starting salaries that make moderate debt loads manageable.

The limited data here reflects the program's small size, not a quality concern. Idaho has only two engineering programs total, and Northwest Nazarene serves a modest student population, which means fewer graduates to track. The engineering job market in Idaho's Treasure Valley—where Northwest Nazarene is located—has grown considerably with Boise's tech expansion, potentially offering local opportunities. However, engineering graduates often relocate for the best positions, so your student should think broadly about where they're willing to work after graduation.

The financial picture suggests workable numbers if the degree opens doors to actual engineering roles. The key uncertainty is whether this specific program delivers the same outcomes as its peers. Before committing, verify the program's ABET accreditation status (critical for licensure), talk to current students about internship pipelines, and confirm placement rates in actual engineering positions versus general technical roles.

Where Northwest Nazarene University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Northwest Nazarene UniversityNampa$39,370$67,911*$26,459*
Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham$64,458$109,455*$114,228$14,512*0.13
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont$66,255$92,491*$103,969$22,240*0.24
Brown UniversityProvidence$68,230$86,416*$87,937$14,500*0.17
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$82,956*$104,701$15,000*0.18
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$78,211*$27,000*0.35
National Median$67,911*$26,056*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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 Northwest Nazarene University, approximately 29% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.