Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwestern University graduates earn $84k, placing them in the 20th percentile of all mechanical engineering masters programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | $83,978 | — | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $105,575 | $103,659 | — | — |
| Northern Illinois University | $96,253 | $87,635 | — | — |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $83,195 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $105,575 | — |
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $96,253 | — |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago | $51,763 | $83,195 | — |
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.