Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. — ROI at Northwestern University
IL · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. at Northwestern University
Net Annual Cost
$87,804
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$69,645
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$19,312
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$69,645 × 20 years
+$1,392,900
Total 1-Year Cost
$87,804 × 1 years
−$87,804
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$19,312 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$26,071
Baseline Opportunity Cost ⓘ The estimated earnings you would make with a high school diploma over 20 years ($42,000/yr), which you forfeit while studying.
$42,000 median no-degree salary × 20 years
−$840,000
20-Year Net ROI
+$439,024
Graduation Rate
96.2%
of students complete their degree
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How we calculate ROI
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings − Total 1-Year Cost − Estimated Debt Payoff − Baseline Opportunity Cost
Baseline assumes $42,000/yr median earnings without a college degree. Debt payoff uses a 1.35× multiplier to account for interest over a standard repayment period.
Data sourced from the U.S. College Scorecard.