Northwestern University vs Lewis 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 3.8 years at Lewis University, on median earnings of $89,363 vs $66,099 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northwestern University | Lewis University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,167 | $17,028 |
| Total net cost | $116,668 | $68,112 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $89,363 | $66,099 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 2.8 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $703,392 | $286,668 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or Lewis University?
Lewis University, at $17,028 a year after aid versus $29,167 — a gap of $12,139 a year, or $48,556 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northwestern University or Lewis University graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates report a median $89,363 ten years after entry, $23,264 more than the $66,099 at Lewis 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, Northwestern University or Lewis University?
Northwestern University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Lewis University, a difference of $6,500. 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 67% at Lewis 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.