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 45 Christian denominations.

Enrollment

1,719 (2024-25)
Undergraduate students: 1,187    
Graduate students: 521    
Northwestern NEXT students: 11
States represented: 29 (43% of traditional undergraduate students are from out of state)
Countries represented: 26  
Gender: 52% men, 48% women (traditional undergraduates)
Ethnic diversity: 12% of undergraduates are students of color and another 5% are international students

Average high school GPA

 3.61

Average ACT score

NWC average: 22.8      
Iowa average: 20.8    ⁽¹⁾
National average: 19.5     ⁽²⁾

% of students living on campus

84% of degree-seeking residential program undergraduates

Full-time faculty

76

Full-time staff

138

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

Retention rate

74%

6-year graduation rate

66% (83% of graduates earn their degree in 4 years or less)

Job placement rate

99.5%

Undergraduate tuition and financial aid

Undergraduate tuition and fees (2024-25): $36,400
Housing and food (average for 2024-25): $11,100
Average financial aid package: $31,500 annually (includes $5,500 in federal loans)
Students receiving financial aid: 100% (traditional undergraduates)

Athletic affiliation

NAIA; Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)