Quick facts about NWC

Mission

Northwestern College is a Christian academic community engaging students in courageous and faithful learning and living that empowers them to follow Christ and pursue God's redeeming work in the world.

Denominational affiliation

Reformed Church in America (Students, faculty and staff come from more than 40 Christian denominations.)

Enrollment

1,414 (2019-20)
Undergraduate students: 1,063 
Graduate students: 351 
States represented: 35 (38% of students are from out of state)
Countries represented: 18
Gender: 48% men, 52% women (traditional undergraduates)
Ethnic diversity: 11% undergraduate ethnic minority students

Average high school GPA

 3.56

Average ACT score

NWC average: 24.1 
Iowa average: 21.9 ⁽¹⁾
National average: 21.0 ⁽²⁾

% of students living on campus

87%

Full-time faculty

84

% of full-time faculty with doctorates or terminal degrees

83%

Student-faculty ratio

12:1

Average class size

14

Programs offered

Bachelor's, master's and online

Top 10 undergraduate majors

1. Elementary education
2. Biology-health professions
3. Exercise science
4. Accounting
5. Business administration-general
6. Nursing
7. Psychology
8. Social work
9. Business administration-finance
10. Business administration-management

Retention rate

78% (5-year average)

6-year graduation rate

68% (91% of graduates earn their degree in 4 years or less)

Job placement rate

99.5%

Undergraduate tuition and financial aid

Undergraduate tuition and fees (2020-21): $32,700
Room and board (2020-21): $9,800 to $10,500
Average financial aid package: $28,000 annually
Students receiving financial aid: 100% (traditional undergraduates)

Athletic affiliation

NAIA; Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)