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Return on Investment Analysis

Northeastern University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Northeastern University costs about $252,564 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $78,413 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.8 years (20-year ROI: 244%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$252,564

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$43,413/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.8 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

244%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

One year after graduation, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of $74,155, which is more than the $63,141 annual tuition. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $78,413. Ten years after graduation, earnings reach $92,538. The median debt for graduates is $24,250.

The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. The data does not specify the cost of attendance, including room and board, or the average amount of debt.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$63,141

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,250

Median Earnings (5yr)

$78,413

Graduation Rate

91%

Receive Financial Aid

28%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business/Commerce, General $252,564 $123,548 601%
Computer Engineering $252,564 $121,329 584%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $252,564 $132,227 670%
Mechanical Engineering $252,564 $99,023 407%
Engineering, General $252,564 $114,986 533%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $252,564 $95,290 377%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $252,564 $131,668 665%
Engineering, Other $252,564 $0 N/A
Economics $252,564 $81,504 268%
Law $252,564 $84,159 289%
Industrial Engineering $252,564 $95,290 377%
Chemical Engineering $252,564 $91,084 344%
Civil Engineering $252,564 $93,809 366%
Communication and Media Studies $252,564 $72,508 197%
International Business $252,564 $91,133 345%
Political Science and Government $252,564 $65,006 138%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $252,564 $72,627 198%
Research and Experimental Psychology $252,564 $57,605 79%
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $252,564 $121,837 588%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $252,564 $59,073 91%
Accounting and Related Services $252,564 $92,661 357%
Biology, General $252,564 $73,280 203%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $252,564 $74,691 214%
Mathematics $252,564 $90,232 337%

Peer Comparison

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$252,564
Median Debt$24,250

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$252,564

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Northeastern University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 244%. The total 4-year cost is $252,564 and graduates earn a median of $78,413 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to Northeastern University Colleges in Massachusetts Compare Schools ROI Rankings