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

1,546 (2020-21)
Undergraduate students: 1,075  
Graduate students: 461 
Northwestern NEXT students: 10 
States represented: 35 (38% of students are from out of state)
Countries represented: 19 
Gender: 48% men, 52% women (traditional undergraduates)
Ethnic diversity: 13% undergraduate ethnic minority students

Average high school GPA

 3.57

Average ACT score

NWC average: 23.6  
Iowa average: 21.9 ⁽¹⁾
National average: 21.0 ⁽²⁾

% of students living on campus

88% of degree-seeking residential program undergraduates

Full-time faculty

81

% of full-time faculty with doctorates or terminal degrees

87%

Student-faculty ratio

14:1

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% (93% of graduates earn their degree in 4 years or less)

Job placement rate

99.5%

Undergraduate tuition and financial aid

Undergraduate tuition and fees (2021-22): $33,350
Room and board (2021-22): $10,000 to $10,700
Average financial aid package: $28,000 annually
Students receiving financial aid: 100% (traditional undergraduates)

Athletic affiliation

NAIA; Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)