Business Administration, Management and Operations at Northwest University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Northwest University's business graduates start strong at nearly $55,000 and climb to $71,500 within four years—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 0.46—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
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 Northwest University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwest University graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 82th percentile of all business administration, management and operations 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 Washington
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest University | $54,779 | $71,547 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| City University of Seattle | $79,592 | $67,095 | $18,000 | 0.23 |
| Olympic College | $58,058 | — | $11,305 | 0.19 |
| Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education | $54,779 | $71,547 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| Western Washington University | $53,402 | $68,627 | $17,375 | 0.33 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $52,919 | $61,439 | $20,959 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| City University of Seattle Seattle | $14,589 | $79,592 | $18,000 |
| Olympic College Bremerton | $4,197 | $58,058 | $11,305 |
| Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland | $14,652 | $54,779 | $25,000 |
| Western Washington University Bellingham | $9,286 | $53,402 | $17,375 |
| Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma | $50,964 | $52,919 | $20,959 |
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.