Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at Northwestern University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwestern University graduates earn $140k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all management sciences and quantitative methods masters 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 Illinois
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | $140,444 | $139,924 | — | — |
| University of Chicago | $190,915 | — | — | — |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $92,010 | — | — | — |
| Elmhurst University | $88,979 | — | — | — |
| DePaul University | $73,882 | — | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $72,105 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $89,942 | — | — | — |
Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago Chicago | $66,939 | $190,915 | — |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $92,010 | — |
| Elmhurst University Elmhurst | $41,628 | $88,979 | — |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $73,882 | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $72,105 | — |
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.