Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,779
82nd percentile
60th percentile in Washington
Median Debt
$25,000
4% below national median

Analysis

Northwest University's business graduates start strong at nearly $55,000 and climb to $71,500 within four yearsβ€”a 31% jump that shows genuine career momentum. While the program lands at the 60th percentile among Washington business schools, it significantly outperforms the national average for this degree, ranking in the 82nd percentile nationally. Graduates earn $20,000 more than the typical business major nationwide by year four, which is substantial for a field where many programs cluster around $45,000-$50,000 in starting pay.

The $25,000 median debt sits right at the national average for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46β€”comfortably manageable for most graduates. Within Washington state, some programs like City University of Seattle produce higher earners, but Northwest strikes a reasonable balance between outcomes and borrowing. The moderate sample size means individual graduate experiences will vary, but the earnings trajectory suggests employers value what graduates learn here.

For parents considering this program, the key advantage is upward mobility: graduates aren't just starting above average, they're building on that foundation. If your student is choosing between Washington business schools and cost is a factor, Northwest's combination of solid initial earnings and strong growth makes it a defensible choice, particularly compared to programs where graduates plateau after the first year.

Where Northwest University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Northwest University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Northwest University$54,779$71,547+31%
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education$54,779$71,547+31%
Seattle University$46,598$70,134+51%
University of Puget Sound$49,106$70,059+43%
Western Washington University$53,402$68,627+29%

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (37 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwest UniversityKirkland$36,035$54,779$71,547$25,0000.46
City University of SeattleSeattle$14,589$79,592$67,095$18,0000.23
Olympic CollegeBremerton$4,197$58,058β€”$11,3050.19
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended EducationKirkland$14,652$54,779$71,547$25,0000.46
Western Washington UniversityBellingham$9,286$53,402$68,627$17,3750.33
Pacific Lutheran UniversityTacoma$50,964$52,919$61,439$20,9590.40
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 University, approximately 23% 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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 69 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.