Finance and Financial Management Services at Purdue University Northwest
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Purdue Northwest's finance program carries moderate debt and delivers slightly below-average earnings for Indiana, but the small graduate sample—fewer than 30 students—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. First-year earnings of $53,062 land below the state median of $55,399 and trail far behind Indiana's stronger finance programs like Notre Dame ($99,222) and main-campus Purdue ($59,938). The debt load of $23,078 is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, but students aren't getting the earnings premium that typically justifies specialized business education.
For families considering this program versus alternatives, the gap with Purdue's main campus is particularly relevant—West Lafayette graduates earn $7,000 more annually right out of the gate. Given Northwest's 71% admission rate and the substantial earnings advantage at more selective Indiana finance programs, students with competitive academic profiles should seriously weigh whether they're trading up-front accessibility for long-term earning potential. The program works as a local option for students committed to the Hammond area, but it's not delivering the financial returns that make finance degrees attractive investments at the state or national level.
Where Purdue University Northwest Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services 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 Purdue University Northwest graduates compare to all programs nationally
Purdue University Northwest graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Northwest | $53,062 | — | $23,078 | 0.43 |
| University of Notre Dame | $99,222 | $111,893 | $19,000 | 0.19 |
| University of Evansville | $61,531 | — | — | — |
| Taylor University | $60,336 | — | $16,000 | 0.27 |
| Butler University | $60,290 | $65,927 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $59,938 | $74,985 | $22,335 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame | $62,693 | $99,222 | $19,000 |
| University of Evansville Evansville | $42,676 | $61,531 | — |
| Taylor University Upland | $39,104 | $60,336 | $16,000 |
| Butler University Indianapolis | $45,980 | $60,290 | $23,250 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $59,938 | $22,335 |
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 Purdue University Northwest, approximately 28% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.