Head-to-head comparison
University of Northwestern-St Paul vs Northwestern Health Sciences University: which has better ROI?
Option A Saint Paul, MN
University of Northwestern-St Paul
- Net price / year
- $27,705
- Earnings, 10 years
- $50,755
- Payback
- 46.3 yrs
Option B Bloomington, MN
Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Net price / year
- $35,887
- Earnings, 10 years
- $48,666
- Payback
- 234.6 yrs
University of Northwestern-St Paul has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $110,820 in 46.3 years versus 234.6 years at Northwestern Health Sciences University, on median earnings of $50,755 vs $48,666 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Northwestern-St Paul | Northwestern Health Sciences University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $27,705 | $35,887 |
| Total net cost | $110,820 | $71,774 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,755 | $48,666 |
| Median debt | $21,325 | $7,500 |
| Payback | 46.3 yrs | 234.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$62,920 | -$65,654 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Northwestern Health Sciences University?
University of Northwestern-St Paul, at $27,705 a year after aid versus $35,887 — a gap of $8,182 a year, or $39,046 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do University of Northwestern-St Paul or Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates earn more?
University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates report a median $50,755 ten years after entry, $2,089 more than the $48,666 at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Northwestern Health Sciences University: its completers carry a median $7,500 in federal loans versus $21,325 at University of Northwestern-St Paul, a difference of $13,825. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Northwestern-St Paul, against 0% at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.