Analysis
For a quantitative field where analytical skills command premium salaries, Purdue Northwest's estimated $67,350 first-year earnings—based on five comparable Indiana programs—actually hits right at the state median. That's solid positioning for a regional campus, matching outcomes at Ball State and nearly keeping pace with Purdue's flagship campus at $70,903. The estimated $22,789 in debt (derived from similar-sized programs nationally) creates a manageable 0.34 ratio, meaning roughly four months of pre-tax earnings to cover the full debt load.
What works in this program's favor is the national context: that $67,350 figure sits above the $62,069 national median for management sciences degrees, suggesting Indiana's job market—or this particular mix of peer programs—delivers stronger starting salaries than typical. The debt estimate also tracks close to national norms, avoiding the inflated borrowing that sometimes plagues smaller regional campuses.
The catch is that these are projections based on peer schools, not verified outcomes from Purdue Northwest graduates specifically. Still, for parents evaluating a quantitative business degree at an accessible institution (71% admission rate, reasonable estimated debt), the comparable program data suggests this path could deliver middle-class earnings without crushing debt—assuming your student capitalizes on the analytical rigor these programs typically demand.
Where Purdue University Northwest Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,419 | $67,350* | — | $22,789* | — | |
| $62,693 | $83,810* | — | $19,000* | 0.23 | |
| $9,992 | $70,903* | $92,054 | $18,284* | 0.26 | |
| $10,758 | $67,350* | $80,507 | $16,654* | 0.25 | |
| $9,992 | $67,267* | $67,319 | —* | — | |
| $46,588 | $67,129* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.