Location: Hammond, IN•In-State Tuition: $8,419•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,620•Admission Rate: 71%•Avg SAT: 1034
Median Earnings (1yr)Small sample
$53,062
47th percentile
40th percentile in Indiana
Median DebtReported
$23,078
1% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.43 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).

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

Purdue University NorthwestOther finance and financial management services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Purdue University Northwest graduates compare to all programs nationally

Purdue University Northwest earns $53k — 47th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (24 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$53,062—$23,0780.43
University of Notre DameNotre Dame$62,693$99,222$111,893$19,0000.19
University of EvansvilleEvansville$42,676$61,531———
Taylor UniversityUpland$39,104$60,336—$16,0000.27
Butler UniversityIndianapolis$45,980$60,290$65,927$23,2500.39
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$59,938$74,985$22,3350.37
National Median—$53,590—$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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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.