Chamberlain University-Illinois vs Northwestern University: which has better ROI?
Northwestern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $116,668 in 2.8 years versus 2.9 years at Chamberlain University-Illinois, on median earnings of $89,363 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chamberlain University-Illinois | Northwestern University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $31,837 | $29,167 |
| Total net cost | $127,348 | $116,668 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $92,405 | $89,363 |
| Median debt | $20,919 | $15,000 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 2.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $753,552 | $703,392 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chamberlain University-Illinois or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University, at $29,167 a year after aid versus $31,837 — a gap of $2,670 a year, or $10,680 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chamberlain University-Illinois or Northwestern University graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Illinois graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $3,042 more than the $89,363 at Northwestern University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Chamberlain University-Illinois or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-Illinois, a difference of $5,919. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
95% of students finish at Northwestern University, against 42% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.