Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Northwest University vs Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Kirkland 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 21.8 years at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $54,914 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureNorthwest UniversityNorthwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education
Net price / yr$22,288$35,671
Total net cost$89,152$142,684
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,914$54,914
Median debt$20,891$20,891
Payback13.6 yrs21.8 yrs
20-year net return$41,928-$11,604

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

Which is cheaper, Northwest University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?

Northwest University, at $22,288 a year after aid versus $35,671 — a gap of $13,383 a year, or $53,532 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Northwest University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $54,914 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

Which leaves students with less debt, Northwest University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?

Completers at both borrow a median $20,891, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Northwest 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.

Northwest University vs Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education: frequently asked questions

Is Northwest University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education a better value?
Northwest University. It clears its $89,152 net cost in about 13.6 years versus 21.8 years at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $54,914 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Northwest University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Northwest University: $22,288/yr net price after aid versus $35,671/yr at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education — a difference of $13,383 a year, or about $53,532 over four years.
Do Northwest University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates earn more?
Northwest University graduates earn a median $54,914 ten years after entry, versus $54,914 at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.