You would borrow a median $15,000 — about $171 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $89,363 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.3 years of the salary premium.
Yes — on the federal figures this is one of the fastest-paying degrees in the country.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 0.3-year payback above. We list 1 scholarship tied to Northwestern University.
See all 1 Northwestern University scholarships →Tell us what you need and we will come back with the lenders that actually fund students from your country — including options with no US co-signer. No obligation, and we never charge you.
The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,165 against $22,500 of debt. Northwestern University clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $49,843 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago Illinois | A | $15,000 | $91,885 | 0.3 yrs |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Illinois | A | $19,500 | $81,054 | 0.5 yrs |
| University of Illinois Chicago Illinois | A | $16,704 | $68,740 | 0.6 yrs |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois | A | $25,000 | $82,592 | 0.6 yrs |
| Loyola University Chicago Illinois | B | $24,157 | $71,530 | 0.8 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.