Northwestern University

What are the graduation rates for students at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University demonstrates exceptionally strong graduation rates, with a reported overall graduation rate of 96%, placing it within the top 5% nationally. Both men and women exhibit similarly high graduation outcomes, with men graduating at a rate of 95% and women at 96%, reinforcing the university's consistent academic success across genders.

The institution also boasts a very high four-year graduation rate of 88%, which is notably impressive and again ranks among the top 5% in the country. Extending the timeframe, the six-year graduation rate reaches 96%, indicating sustained student achievement beyond the typical four-year milestone. Complementing these graduation statistics is a retention rate of 97%, a metric that measures the proportion of first-year students who continue for their second year, and this figure positions Northwestern University in the top 10% nationwide.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Northwestern University?

Graduates from Northwestern University show a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Degrees in technology and engineering tend to offer some of the most lucrative opportunities. For example, graduates with degrees in Information Science/Studies and Computer Science report median salaries of $94,536 and $84,037 respectively. Similarly, Industrial Engineering graduates earn about $84,644, while those with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics have median earnings of $80,781 and $68,815 respectively.

In engineering specialties, salaries vary but remain strong. Chemical Engineering graduates earn around $71,607, closely followed by Mechanical Engineering graduates at $70,936. Other related fields like Biomedical/Medical Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering offer $60,519 and $66,553 in median earnings respectively.

Business and social science fields provide moderate earnings. For instance, graduates with degrees in Human Resources Management and Services earn approximately $69,350, while those in Economics see a median salary of $71,488. Social sciences such as Public Policy Analysis and Community Organization and Advocacy report earnings near $40,701 and $65,015 respectively.

The communication and media fields have a wider spread in earning potential. Graduates in Communication and Media Studies earn an average of $48,590, compared to Journalism at $44,144 and considerably lower earnings for those in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, approximately $27,414.

Graduates in mathematics-related disciplines tend to earn robust salaries, reflecting the demand for analytical skills. Those studying Statistics earn close to $59,892, complementing the previously noted strong returns in applied mathematics and computer science.

Other humanities and arts degrees generally yield lower median earnings. For example, graduates with degrees in English Language and Literature have a median income of around $29,896. Those from Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft and Music fields report earnings of $23,935 and $38,199 respectively. Psychology, Other graduates earn around $37,353, while the broader category of Psychology, General indicates earnings near $34,751.

Within the sciences, fields like Chemistry report median salaries near $41,049, whereas Biology and Neurobiology and Neurosciences reflect lower earnings, approximately $19,001 and $19,214 respectively. This contrast points to varying demand and specialization within scientific disciplines.

Political and social sciences graduates earn in the range of approximately $41,000 to $46,000, with Political Science and Government averaging $45,960 and International Relations and National Security Studies close to $46,450.