University of Northwestern-St Paul
University of Northwestern-St Paul — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is University of Northwestern-St Paul Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, University of Northwestern-St Paul is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,755 — 6% below average — while paying $27,705/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Northwestern-St Paul has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Northwestern-St Paul compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MN
Ranked #60 of 127 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #60 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | 31 | $27,705 | $50,755 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Northwestern-St Paul's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in MN.
Best Programs at University of Northwestern-St Paul
The highest-earning program at University of Northwestern-St Paul is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at $25,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Northwestern-St Paul earns $58,500, while a Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduate earns $25,000. 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 $28,000 in median debt vs. $20,485 for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,705/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 | $58,500 | $58,500 | $28,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $51,200 | $51,200 | $21,375 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $36,200 | $36,200 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,400 | $34,400 | $21,865 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $31,900 | $31,900 | $23,531 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,800 | $31,800 | $20,651 |
| Psychology, General | $30,700 | $30,700 | $21,875 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $26,400 | $26,400 | $24,585 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $25,000 | $25,000 | $20,485 |
Similar Colleges in MN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Saint Paul, MN
- Student Body
- 1,442 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,705
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,755
- Median Student Debt
- $21,325