Best Doctoral Degree Programs at Northwestern University by ROI
Every Doctoral Degree major at Northwestern University ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
4
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$423,194
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$87,804
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Chemistry.
Grad rate: 96.2% |
+$1,171,224 | $118,122 | $87,804 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.
Grad rate: 96.2% |
+$325,324 | $75,827 | $87,804 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences.
Grad rate: 96.2% |
+$242,444 | $71,683 | $87,804 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Music.
Grad rate: 96.2% |
-$46,216 | $57,250 | $87,804 | $0 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.