Norwich University
Norwich University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Norwich University at a Glance
Norwich University is a private university in Northfield, Vermont, United States. The university was founded in 1819 as the "American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy". It is the oldest of six senior military colleges and is recognized by the United States Department of Defense as the "Birthplace of ROTC".
1819
207 years old
$218M
$218 million
3,274
2,642 undergrad · 632 grad
347
1,200 acres
Identity
Is Norwich University Worth It?
Norwich University offers moderate value at $22,257/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $65,575, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Norwich University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #35 of 134 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #6 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #35 | Norwich University | 45 | $22,257 | $65,575 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Norwich University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Norwich University
The highest-earning program at Norwich University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is History at $26,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Norwich University earns $61,600, while a History graduate earns $26,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,500 for History.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,257/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,600 | $61,600 | $27,000 |
| Construction Management | $50,400 | $50,400 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $49,300 | $49,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,700 | $39,700 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $39,600 | $39,600 | $19,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,000 | $38,000 | $26,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $37,200 | $37,200 | $22,458 |
| Political Science and Government | $35,900 | $35,900 | $12,500 |
| Biology, General | $32,600 | $32,600 | $22,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $27,000 |
| History | $26,200 | $26,200 | $26,500 |
Similar Colleges in VT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Northfield, VT
- Student Body
- 2,428 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,257
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,575
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000