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Heritage University vs Northwest University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Toppenish WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Kirkland WA

The verdict

Northwest University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,152 in 13.6 years versus 55.3 years at Heritage University, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $49,416 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHeritage UniversityNorthwest University
Net price / yr$14,598$22,288
Total net cost$58,392$89,152
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,416$54,914
Median debt$14,573$20,891
Payback55.3 yrs13.6 yrs
20-year net return-$37,272$41,928

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Heritage University or Northwest University?

Heritage University, at $14,598 a year after aid versus $22,288 — a gap of $7,690 a year, or $30,760 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Heritage University or Northwest University graduates earn more?

Northwest University graduates report a median $54,914 ten years after entry, $5,498 more than the $49,416 at Heritage 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, Heritage University or Northwest University?

Heritage University: its completers carry a median $14,573 in federal loans versus $20,891 at Northwest University, a difference of $6,318. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Northwest University, against 54% at Heritage University. 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.

Heritage University vs Northwest University: frequently asked questions

Is Heritage University or Northwest University a better value?
Northwest University. It clears its $89,152 net cost in about 13.6 years versus 55.3 years at Heritage University, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $49,416 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Heritage University or Northwest University?
Heritage University: $14,598/yr net price after aid versus $22,288/yr at Northwest University — a difference of $7,690 a year, or about $30,760 over four years.
Do Heritage University or Northwest University graduates earn more?
Northwest University graduates earn a median $54,914 ten years after entry, versus $49,416 at Heritage University — a $5,498 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.