Median Earnings (1yr)
$86,946
70th percentile (60th in IL)
Sample Size
17
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northwestern University graduates earn $87k, placing them in the 70th percentile of all biology doctoral programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Biology doctoral's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwestern University$86,946
National Median$76,108

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 Northwestern University, approximately 19% 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.