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

Northwestern was born out of the Reformed Church in America and identifies as Reformed, evangelical and ecumenical,  drawing from the strengths of each perspective in fulfilling our mission. Students, faculty and staff come from more than 40 Christian denominations.

Enrollment

1,712 (2022-23)
Undergraduate students: 1,169  
Graduate students: 531  
Northwestern NEXT students: 12
States represented: 31 (42% of traditional undergraduate students are from out of state)
Countries represented: 20 
Gender: 53% men, 47% women (traditional undergraduates)
Ethnic diversity: 12% undergraduate ethnic minority students (excluding international students)

Average high school GPA

 3.62

Average ACT score

NWC average: 22.7   
Iowa average: 21.4   ⁽¹⁾
National average: 19.8    ⁽²⁾

% of students living on campus

87% of degree-seeking residential program undergraduates

Full-time faculty

77

% of full-time faculty with doctorates or terminal degrees

87%

Undergraduate student-faculty ratio

15:1

Average class size for traditional undergraduates

17

Programs offered

Bachelor's, master's and online

Top undergraduate majors

1. Nursing
2. Exercise science
3. Secondary education
4. Elementary education
5. Biology–health professions
6. Business administration–finance
7. Business administration–management
8. Accounting
9. Business administration
10. Business administration–marketing
11. Psychology

Retention rate

78%

6-year graduation rate

70% (86% of graduates earn their degree in 4 years or less)

Job placement rate

99%

Undergraduate tuition and financial aid

Undergraduate tuition and fees (2023-24): $35,000
Room and board (2023-24): $10,300 to $11,500
Average financial aid package: $30,000 annually (includes $5,500 in federal loans)
Students receiving financial aid: 100% (traditional undergraduates)

Athletic affiliation

NAIA; Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)