Business Administration, Management and Operations at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

Northwest University's online business program shows steady momentum that parents should notice. Starting at $54,779—already above the national median of $45,703—graduates see their earnings jump 31% to reach $71,547 by year four. That growth trajectory matters more than the initial placement, which sits at the 60th percentile among Washington business programs.

The $25,000 debt load lands just below the national median, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. Within four years, that debt represents just 35% of annual earnings, suggesting graduates can manage payments while building their careers. The online format likely helps working students avoid taking on additional living expenses while earning their degree.

Washington's business programs cluster tightly—the difference between Northwest's earnings and Western Washington's is less than $1,400 annually. What sets this program apart is the growth pattern rather than the starting salary. For families comfortable with online learning who want a business degree that gains value over time rather than peaking immediately, this represents solid footing. The moderate sample size confirms enough graduates to validate these outcomes without raising data reliability concerns.