Computer and Information Sciences at Northwest University

Washington's Computer Science programs typically deliver strong outcomes, with the state median of $70,802 placing graduates well above the national benchmark of $61,322. Northwest University's estimated figures align with this state average, suggesting first-year earnings that would make the estimated $25,860 in debt manageable—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means borrowers would owe roughly one-third of their first year's salary.

However, this picture comes with significant uncertainty. Both the earnings and debt figures are estimates derived from peer programs rather than actual Northwest University outcomes, meaning the school hasn't had enough graduates in this major for the Department of Education to publish their real results. The debt estimate comes from national data across all private nonprofit schools, while the earnings figure reflects what other Washington CS programs achieve. Whether Northwest's small program can match those outcomes—or whether its graduates benefit from the same employer networks and curriculum quality that produce strong results at larger state schools—remains an open question.

For parents willing to accept that uncertainty, the fundamentals look reasonable: the estimated debt burden is modest, Washington's tech economy offers genuine opportunity for CS graduates, and the program's small size could mean more individualized attention. But you're essentially betting on a track record that doesn't yet exist in the public data. If your child has admission offers from schools with reported outcomes, those provide clearer evidence of what to expect.