Excellence

U.S. News & World Report ranks Northwestern College 7th among 100 Midwestern colleges in our category. Rankings are based on academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

Forbes.com ranks Northwestern among the top 15% of the nation's colleges and universities. Forbes, which evaluates institutions based on quality of teaching, great career prospects, graduation rates and low levels of student debt, ranked NWC as the 10th-best college in Iowa and 352nd overall out of 2,500 four-year schools. Only 14 Iowa colleges and universities were chosen as "America's Best Colleges" by Forbes.com.

Princeton Review lists Northwestern among 153 institutions selected for its "Best in the Midwest" designation, based on student opinion. In the survey, our students praised the college's affordability, community life, leadership and attitudes toward diversity.

Washington Monthly ranks Northwestern as the third-best baccalaureate college in the nation based on our commitment to social mobility, service and research. Factors figuring into the rankings include the number of bachelor's degree recipients who go on to earn doctoral degrees and the institution's commitment to community service.

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll cites Northwestern as one of only 3 Iowa colleges to achieve "With Distinction" recognition in the government's listing of  U.S. institutions whose students display exceptional commitment to community service. Last year 662 NWC students were involved in community service in Orange City and around the U.S. Another 470 students were engaged in academic service-learning, putting classroom knowledge into practice by helping area agencies and businesses.

Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges touts 18 Northwestern academic programs as "quality departments at a quality college."

For the fourth consecutive year, the Groundwater Foundation has named Northwestern a Groundwater Guardian Green Site in recognition of our care for the environment. NWC is one of only 5 colleges nationwide to receive the designation.

American School and University magazine selected Northwestern's renovated Rowenhorst Student Center for their "Outstanding Design" showcase. Our student center holds three design awards. Northwestern's 100-acre campus also includes an award-winning chapel and theatre arts center.