Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, Idaho
Founded in 1913, Northwest Nazarene University is a comprehensive Christian university with over 80 undergraduate areas of study, 18 master’s degrees in six different disciplines, five Education Specialists degrees, and two doctoral degrees. NNU sits on an 88-acre residential campus in the heart of the Boise Valley, with online and extension campuses in Idaho Falls and in 35 countries around the world.
NNU is committed to providing a transformational education that prepares its students to pursue a meaningful life rooted in timeless values and empowered by community, equipping them to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world. NNU’s 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students hail from 41 states and 27 countries. It has more than 6,000 continuing education students from a variety of professions and more than 10,000 high school students who participate in the university’s concurrent credit program.
NNU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a regional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and has been ranked by Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report as one of the top regional universities in the West and as a “Best Value” institution for delivering high-quality education at an affordable price.
Get to know Northwest Nazarene University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Student government
- Symphony orchestra
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Veteran Services
- Counseling
College Highlights
Earning a college degree is hard work. NNU challenges and supports students every step of the way as they earn a degree in one of 80+ areas of study. Whether they’re interested in nursing or computer science—or one of the many other programs NNU offers—NNU graduates leave prepared to embark on the career path they desire or to continue on to graduate studies.
Internships and cross-cultural experiences are graduation requirements for a majority of the programs offered, and experiential learning is built into the academics and campus life at NNU. From clubs where students invest money on behalf of the university to service-learning trips to Peru, the university is dedicated to giving students real-world opportunities to develop their worldview, acquire hands-on experience, and gain a professional edge.
STUDY ABROAD
NNU’s Study Abroad Program allows students to expand their education beyond campus as they study, serve, and see different parts of the world. Students can take part in an international semester-long program led by an NNU professor with a cohort of peers, study internationally for a full-semester at one of many partner universities, participate in a university-sponsored service trip, or enroll in a class that includes a one- to two-week study excursion to either a national or international destination as part of the course. Students have access to programs in Australia, China, Costa Rica, Jordan, Oxford, Uganda, and more. NNU also offers connections to domestic programs in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; and Nashville.
Studying abroad in Costa Rica was unlike any experience I’ve had before. I got to meet new people who are now my very close friends, live in a different culture, and learn about biology in the greatest setting possible. Studying biology in a place where there is so much biodiversity is enthralling. I was outside for a lot of my classes, going on hikes or traveling around the country…The world has so much to offer, and it would be a shame to never experience anything outside of our own bubble.” – Vanessa Beane, Class of 2019
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Unlike many universities that limit research opportunities to graduate students, NNU offers undergraduates the chance to actively engage in hands-on research alongside faculty mentors. Recent research projects conducted by NNU undergraduate students include COVID-19 Saliva Screening, NASA RockSat, and CubeSat Engineering projects; agricultural drones; hyperbaric oxygen treatment of breast cancer cells; Alzheimer’s disease; and Lake Titicacan frogs and native cat species in Costa Rica. Many students have gone on to present their research at national and regional conferences, including the Murdock College Science Research Program Conference.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 1%
Hispanic/Latinx: 12%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 2%
White, non-Hispanic: 75%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 4%
At NNU, faculty invest in students from the first day they set foot on campus to the day they graduate—and beyond. It is not uncommon for faculty to cross disciplinary borders to create opportunities that meet the needs and desires of students, as is reflected in NNU’s cutting-edge Digital Media program and multiple co-major options on campus.
STUDENT-FACULTY INTERACTION
Students have direct access to distinguished faculty members in all disciplines who become their research partners, mentors, connections to internships and jobs, references, tablemates in the cafeteria, and spiritual sounding boards. Undergraduates at NNU are able to build relationships with their professors, the luxury of which is usually only afforded to graduate students at many universities.
“The smaller class sizes at NNU allow professors to take more time with each student to help them become the best they can be. My professors have pushed me to produce work that reflects my talent and personality, leading to more success than I believe I would’ve had at any other university.” – Hoku Wantanabe, Class of 2022
FRESHMAN AND SENIOR EXPERIENCES
Students begin their freshman year at NNU in Cornerstone—NNU’s freshman seminar class designed to build a foundation of skills and habits that encourage success throughout college. Students then close their educational careers with their senior capstone class, internship, and/or research project as they discover exciting methods and places to put their education into practice. This can be by producing professional, Hollywood-style films, crafting franchise-winning business plans, designing Idaho’s first satellite, testing new computer software with million-dollar companies, and so much more!
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cooperative education program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
NNU takes academics seriously, but it takes fun seriously, too! NNU recognizes that college is so much more than a degree. It’s an experience. From the annual President’s Pancake Feed to Mr. NNU to Bible studies hosted by faculty, NNU carefully cultivates every aspect of the student experience.
Students can get involved in over 40 clubs and organizations on campus (ranging from Art Club to Journeys Outdoors Club) and experience unique campus traditions such as Rootbeerfest, TWIRP (an epic campus-wide “group date”), or Rollerscamming (a costume skate party). Find out more about NNU’s vibrant student life.
“In my four years at NNU, I was deeply impacted by a loving community that was not afraid to share; share in life, share in joy, share in struggle, and share in relationship. It is a community that prepared me for a career in which teaching and modeling this same attitude of sharing is vitally important.” – Sheldon Field, NNU Alum
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Through Spiritual Life at NNU, students find new ways to grow in their faith. The community is rooted in love for God and for one another. But NNU is not a Christian hideout from the world; students and faculty alike challenge one another to examine, articulate, own, and live their faith in every aspect of their lives. Attending Timeout (a weekly student-led worship service) or chapel (offered three times per week), serving locally, and joining a discipleship group are just a few ways students are challenged and encouraged to grow in their faith.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AND CLUBS/ACTIVITIES
NNU’s Student Government Association (SGA) leads the charge of student activities both on campus and in the community, planning fun events and outings that provide the complete college experience. In addition, NNU has 40+ clubs and organizations, providing students the chance to integrate their interests with their education and connect with other students who share their passions.
DIVERSITY
NNU recognizes and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of its students in helping to create a vibrant community where all individuals are valued for the uniqueness God has created in each of them. Almost 20% of NNU students come from culturally diverse backgrounds. NNU’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion works to increase awareness, cooperation, support, and understanding concerning ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity both on campus and in the local community.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
NNU students and alumni rave about how their best college memories were made while living on campus. Whether it’s a late-night run to Stella’s for ice cream, competing in intramurals with a wing in their dorm, or having deep conversations with their roommates, students find that living in a caring community is an integral part of the NNU experience. Seventy-five percent of the student body choose to live on campus all four years.
The benefits of a residential campus, however, are not just about fun. Living on campus contributes significantly to the success of students, both socially and academically. Studies show that students who live on campus achieve a higher GPA and have a higher graduation rate than those who live off-campus.
FRESHMAN RETREAT
Building relationships to last a lifetime takes time, so NNU actively and intentionally helps freshmen get the ball rolling as they transition to their new home away from home. The entire freshman class comes together over Labor Day weekend to make lasting memories during Freshman Retreat. During Retreat, students can form new friendships without having to worry about classes and homework.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, Idaho, in the heart of the Northwest. NNU sits in the Boise Valley, an ideal location close to a variety of urban amenities and outdoor pursuits that meet the needs of any adventure lover. From trendy coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping to easily accessible hiking and biking trails, camping sites, or a short hour drive to the closest ski resort, there’s a little something for everyone. Explore the area online.
ATHLETICS
NNU is a member of the NCAA Division II and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). Details about Nighthawks sports teams can be found at nnusports.com.
Fifteen varsity sports are available:
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track & field
Women’s sports: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball
Four club sports are available:
Men’s club sports: lacrosse and soccer
Women’s club sports: lacrosse and soccer
In addition to the varsity and club sports offered at NNU, there are multiple intramural sports for students of all athletic abilities.
NNU has approximately 50 indoor and 85 outdoor intercollegiate events hosted by athletics throughout the school year. The beautiful Johnson Sports Center (JSC) is home to the Orrin Hills Center Court (basketball and volleyball); a 25,000 square-foot multi-purpose field house; athletic training facilities; an indoor soccer field; racquetball courts; two fitness centers; a kinesiology wellness lab; the NNU Military Science department; two classrooms; coaches and staff offices; two hardwood balcony practice areas; and more. NNU faculty, staff, students, and local community members utilize the Johnson Sports Center year-round. NNU classes are held at the JSC and the many outdoor facilities.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on-campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 90%
Undergraduates: 68%
Campus housing options.
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
SUCCESSFUL GRADUATES
Doctors? Yes. Lawyers? Of course. Professors, ministers, and teachers? Plenty. NNU graduates leave prepared to embark on any and every career path and to pursue advanced degrees at some of the best graduate schools in the country. Most importantly, NNU graduates leave prepared to change their world for good. They are creative, socially responsive adults who are ready to represent Christ wherever they go.
“NNU has what is one of the best teacher preparation programs in the state of Idaho. It is well worth the investment. I attribute all that I am as a teacher and a lot of who I am as a person to my experience at NNU.” – Kaleb DeHaas, NNU Alum
NNU takes great pride in the nationally recognized success of its graduates. Several programs on campus have a near 100% job placement rate even prior to graduation—100% of NNU’s business graduates consistently place in the 90th percentile or higher on the business field test, and 80% of NNU’s pre-med students advance to medical school—as well as the many other individual accomplishments of NNU’s graduates.
Some employers of recent graduates include Agri Beef Co., Boeing, Campbell Soup Company, Drake Cooper, DreamWorks, Ernst & Young, Hewlett Packard, Idaho Power, John Templeton Foundation, KTVB, Kount, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lockheed Martin, Micron, NASA, National Science Foundation, NetApp, Northwestern Mutual, Pepsi, TSA, U.S. Bank, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of Georgia.
Additionally, NNU graduates have been accepted into prestigious graduate schools, including American Film Institute Conservatory, Azusa Pacific University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Loma Linda University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Purdue University, Syracuse University, University of Arizona, University of Colorado, University of Glasgow, University of Idaho, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, University of Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt University.
INTERNSHIPS
NNU students have the opportunity to dive into research and internship opportunities throughout the country and around the world. NNU’s strong connections and industry relationships have opened doors for students to explore their disciplines in the professional arena.
NNU students have interned at NASA, ESPN, Fox Sports, Unilever, Campbell’s, Centennial Job Corps, St. Luke’s, Wal-Mart Headquarters, U.S. Embassy in Belgium, Micron, Hewlett Packard, Scentsy Headquarters, Dutch Bros. Headquarters, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Simplot, Amazon, and Disney.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Considered
Rigor of secondary school record | Class rank
Interview | Character/personal qualities
TEST SCORES
Required
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 500 | 75th Percentile: 590
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 600
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 22
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 21
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $32,130
Fees: $650
Room & Board: $8,800
Aid
NNU invests in each student and works closely to individualize the experience. With competitive tuition and generous financial aid, the quality education and complete college experience offered at NNU can be accessible to all. To take the first step in understanding why NNU is here for good and how NNU can be here for you, visit nnu.edu/begin. For any additional questions, contact financialaid@nnu.edu.
What Others are Saying
Contact Northwest Nazarene University
Contact Admissions
www.nnu.edu/apply
(877) 668-4968
admissions@nnu.edu
Campus Information
623 S. University Boulevard
Nampa, ID 83686
(877) NNU-4YOU