Northwest University (NU) is located near Seattle, Washington, a region that offers a thriving economy, technological innovation, and natural beauty. Established in 1934, NU a regionally accredited, Christian institution awarding associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. As a liberal arts college, NU meets the needs of an ever-changing society and offers multiple ways for students to achieve their academic goals—including online courses that can be taken anywhere, anytime.
Student Profile
Fall 2016 Enrollment
897 undergraduate students
99% of undergrad students are full time
35% male — 65% female
26% of students are from out of state
Faculty Profile
2016-2017 Academic Year
57 full-time faculty
237 part-time faculty
9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio
Residence Life
Fall 2016
75% of first-year students live on campus
76% of all students live on campus
High-Impact Practices
Read more about the importance of High-Impact Practices
| First-Year Seminars and Experiences | X |
| Common Intellectual Experiences | X |
| Learning Communities | |
| Writing-Intensive Courses | X |
| Collaborative Assignments and Projects | |
| Undergraduate Research | X |
| Diversity/Global Learning | X |
| Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning | X |
| Internships/Coops/Practicums | X |
| Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience |
RETENTION FALL 2016
77% of students began in Fall 2015 and returned in Fall 2016 (full-time, first-time freshmen)
6-Year Graduation Rate 2016
56% of students graduated in 6 years
ENROLLMENT BY RACIAL/ETHNIC CATEGORY - FALL 2016
| Nonresident aliens | 4% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 9% |
| Black or African American | 5% |
| White | 69% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 2% |
| Asian | 4% |
| Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander | 1% |
| Two or more races | 5% |
| Race and/or ethnicity unknown | 1% |
Academic Programs
We offer over 70 majors and programs to get you started on a career path. But that’s not all. Over 70% of NU students are involved in off-campus internships. Here, you’ll learn in class and then put that knowledge to use with local companies. It’s a great way to gain practical experience and set yourself up for a job once you graduate. The following majors are offered at Northwest University: Accounting, Biblical Literature, Biology, Business Administration, Children and Family Ministries, Communication Studies, Contemporary Music Industry, Elementary Education, English, Environmental Science, Exercise Science, General Ministries, History, Information Technology, Intercultural Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Business, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Music Education, Music Industry Business, Music Ministry, Nursing, Pastoral Ministries, Political Science, Psychology, Secondary Education, and Youth and Family Ministries.
EDUCATION THROUGH GLOBAL EXPERIENCES
As an institution, NU believes that each student has been uniquely created to impact his or her world for God. This belief is put into practice by international trips—a requirement of many majors. NU students have served in places like Cambodia, India, Guatemala, Korea, Prague, Italy, and other locations around the world. These trips are designed to broaden students’ cultural perspectives and help them to see their connection to all of humanity regardless of nationality, location, creed, or color.
ACTIVITIES OFFERED
| Campus Ministries | X |
| Choral groups | X |
| Concert band | X |
| Dance | |
| Drama/theatre | |
| International Student Organization | X |
| Jazz band | X |
| Literary magazine | |
| Marching band | |
| Model UN | |
| Music ensembles | X |
| Musical theatre | |
| Opera | |
| Pep band | |
| Radio station | |
| Student government | X |
| Student newspaper | X |
| Student-run film society | |
| Symphony orchestra | |
| Television station | |
| Yearbook | X |
PROVEN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Northwest University is accredited at the highest institutional level possible. Professors at NU have written best-selling books and have been published in prestigious journals. NU has received Murdoch grants to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for its science labs. The nursing program has a first time NXCLEX pass-rate of 97%—well above the national average of 87%. And the director of NU’s Music Production program has won two Grammys and produced 30 gold records. NU offers a combination of academic rigor, spiritual vitality, and communal support that is hard to find elsewhere.
COMMON CORE
| Arts/fine arts | |
| Computer literacy | |
| English (including composition) | X |
| Foreign languages | |
| History | X |
| Humanities | X |
| Mathematics | X |
| Philosophy | |
| Sciences (biological or physical) | X |
| Social science | X |
Other: Bible and Theology
CLASS SIZE BREAKDOWN
| Size | 2-9 | 10-19 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-99 | 100+ | Total |
| Number of Classes | 82 | 54 | 43 | 12 | 19 | 7 | 2 | 219 |
A CHRIST-CENTERED UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE
Northwest University began as a Bible College in 1934. While NU has grown into a liberal arts university offering over 70 majors and programs, the institution has not wavered from its Christian roots. Students are encouraged to grow in their faith via Chapel, small groups, mission trips, and the support of its Christian community. Professors are hired not only for their academic prowess, but also for their love of students and God. NU provides a rigorous education where faith and academics intersect. As a result, nearly 90% of NU students report growing in their faith while attending the institution.
BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
The Student Development Department has a mission to provide an engaged, collaborative environment in which students participate, take ownership, and apply their learning to God’s call in their life. The Student Development staff work together with faculty in the unified purpose of enabling Northwest students to integrate their faith, learning, and living. From classroom to chapel, and from student center to residence hall room, Northwest University is committed to maturing and developing the whole human being.
CAMPUS HOUSING OPTIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATES
| Coed dorms | |
| Men’s dorms | X |
| Women’s dorms | X |
| Apartments for married students | X |
| Apartments for single students | X |
| Special housing for disabled students | |
| Special housing for international students | |
| Fraternity/sorority housing | |
| Cooperative housing | |
| Theme housing | |
| Wellness housing | |
| Other housing options |
LOCATED IN A THRIVING ECONOMY
Northwest University is located in the Pacific Northwest, home to Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, and other successful companies. Students at NU are able to spend their 4 years not only developing relevant job skills, but also building their career network in a region that is booming. Additionally, nearly 70% of all majors at Northwest University offer local internships as part of their program. At NU, students find real-world experience that brings classroom teaching to life. And many are set up with jobs once they graduate.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT THAT WORKS
The Northwest University Career Development Center serves students in the life calling discernment process by means of assessment, skill development, and life coaching. The Career Development Center assists students in identifying strengths, passions, and skills through personality tests, and then provides personal coaching in résumé-building, interviewing skills, and other critical areas. The Career Development Center has also formed meaningful relationships with local business and can align student interests with internships and employment opportunities.
ADMISSIONS
ADMISSIONS FALL 2016
308 Total Applicants
280 Total Admissions
125 Total Freshman Enrollment
Selectivity
90.91% of applicants admitted
Admissions Deadlines for 2017-18 Admission
Rolling admission? Yes
Priority date: Aug 1
Early Action date: Nov 15
Admissions Factors
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Character/personal qualities
Religious affiliation/commitment
Important
Class rank
Standardized test scores
Extracurricular activities
Considered
Interview
Talent/ability
Alumni/ae relation
Volunteer work
Freshman Profile Fall 2016
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | |
| SAT Critical Reading | 480 | 610 |
| SAT Math | 460 | 580 |
| SAT Writing | ||
| SAT Essay | ||
| ACT Composite | 20 | 26 |
| ACT Math | 18 | 26 |
| ACT English | 20 | 26 |
| ACT Writing |
TUITION AND COSTS
Net Price Calculator
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TUITION AND COSTS BEFORE FINANCIAL AID 2017-2018
| Expenses | |
| Tuition | $29,900 |
| Fees | $420 |
| Total | $30,320 |
| Room and Board (on campus) | $8,400 |
| Estimated Total On Campus | $38,720 |
FINANCIAL AID
Average Financial Aid Packages 2015-2016 ESTIMATED
$17,809 First-year students
$14,107 All undergrads
Financial Aid Breakdown 2015-2016 ESTIMATED
68.95% on average, the percentage of need that was met
11% of financial need students that had need fully met
$14,107 Average need-based scholarship or grant award
$3,831 Average need-based loan