Heritage University vs Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education: which has better ROI?
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $142,684 in 21.8 years versus 55.3 years at Heritage University, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $49,416 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Heritage University | Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,598 | $35,671 |
| Total net cost | $58,392 | $142,684 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,416 | $54,914 |
| Median debt | $14,573 | $20,891 |
| Payback | 55.3 yrs | 21.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$37,272 | -$11,604 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Heritage University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Heritage University, at $14,598 a year after aid versus $35,671 — a gap of $21,073 a year, or $84,292 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-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates earn more?
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education 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-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Heritage University: its completers carry a median $14,573 in federal loans versus $20,891 at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education, 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?
54% of students finish at Heritage University, against 50% at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. 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.