Purdue University Northwest

What are the graduation rates for students at Purdue University Northwest?

The graduation rates at Purdue University Northwest are generally low compared to national standards. The overall graduation rate stands at 44%, placing the university in the bottom 25% percentile. When broken down by gender, men graduate at a rate of 42%, which is considered average but still within the lower 35% percentile range. Women's graduation rate is slightly higher at 46%, though this rate remains in the bottom 20% nationally.

Completion timelines also reflect challenges in timely degree attainment. Only 28% of students graduate within four years, which falls into the lower 25% percentile nationally. Extending the timeframe to six years sees the graduation rate rise modestly to 44%, but this still positions Purdue University Northwest in the bottom 30% compared to peer institutions.

In terms of student retention, the university reports a first-year retention rate of 68%. This suggests that nearly one-third of entering students do not continue after their initial year, a figure that places the university again in the bottom 30% for retention rates nationwide.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Purdue University Northwest?

The earning potential for graduates of Purdue University Northwest varies significantly across different fields of study, reflecting the diverse career paths available to students. Majors in engineering and technology consistently rank among the highest-paying disciplines. For instance, graduates with degrees in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn approximately $68,723, while Mechanical Engineering graduates receive about $64,537 on average. Those specializing in Electrical Engineering Technologies and Technicians can expect earnings around $65,086, and Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates earn roughly $61,724.

Other technology-focused programs also show promising returns, with Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians making about $59,309 and Management Information Systems and Services graduates earning around $58,602. Graduates in broader engineering-related fields earn a median of $52,444, underscoring the strong financial prospects in technical and applied sciences.

Health-related programs offer competitive salaries as well. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn on average $66,599, highlighting the demand and value placed on healthcare expertise.

Business and management disciplines present a mixed picture but remain solid choices, with Accounting and Related Services graduates earning about $40,367, and Human Resources Management and Services graduates reaching approximately $38,201. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services achieve median earnings close to $37,212, and Business Administration, Management and Operations students receive around $35,277.

Among the social sciences, students focusing on Political Science and Government tend to earn around $35,414, and Sociology graduates make close to $35,032. Mathematics majors fare well too, with median earnings of approximately $47,390.

On the lower end of the spectrum, degrees in liberal arts and general studies show more modest earnings. For example, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates average $33,347, Communication and Media Studies graduates earn about $31,096, and Hospitality Administration/Management graduates receive roughly $29,781. Fields such as Biology, General offer median earnings near $29,482, and English Language and Literature graduates earn approximately $23,523.