College is the perfect time to go places you’ve never been. By studying abroad, you’ll experience other cultures firsthand, grow in independence and confidence, and maybe even learn a new language. The best part? Your overseas learning can count toward your college degree and might even help you graduate faster.

Here are some other perks of taking anywhere from a month to a semester to study abroad:

1. Make cross-cultural connections.

   By observing people’s daily routines, sampling their culinary creations and engaging in everyday conversations, you’ll learn plenty about a country’s residents and their way of life. You will likely make some international friends—and because study abroad programs often draw college students from across the United States, you could develop relationships with students from other American colleges and universities. When you return to campus, you’ll bring fresh insights that will challenge and inspire your peers. That’s why Northwestern College provides study and service opportunities around the world.

2. Grow in global perspective—and stand out to future employers.

   As you settle into your new surroundings, you may find yourself becoming more aware of the culture you grew up in and how it compares to where you’re studying. This insight—along with coursework taken in a foreign language or in cultural studies—will set you apart from your peers when you apply for jobs or graduate schools. Employers will value your experience interacting with people outside the U.S., as well as your willingness to adapt to a new environment.

3. Go on an adventure! (With support from the experts.)

   If you pursue a study abroad experience with your college, chances are they’ll help you apply to the program, make travel arrangements, and apply for a visa. Northwestern College’s global education office provides these services to any student enrolled in our award-winning Romania or Oman semesters. If you apply to a program with another school, our helpful staff members will check in to see how things are going, offer opportunities for orientation before you go, and set up a time to discuss your experience once you return home. Plus, study abroad programs have on-site staff to help you navigate any challenges and process the experience.

4. See the world without spending a wad.

   Many schools allow you to apply 100% of your financial aid to a semester abroad—especially if the experience is a requirement for your major. If you pursue a program that’s not sponsored by your college, the chances of keeping your full financial award aren’t as great, but you may be able to use at least a portion of those funds to pay for your study abroad experience. Northwestern also offers 3- to 4-week summer study abroad courses, which introduce students to new places without requiring a semester-long commitment. These experiences are led by Northwestern professors, are often a strong complement to a major’s coursework, and meet cross-cultural requirements.

5. Earn academic credit toward your degree.

   Some colleges include a foreign language or cross-cultural class as part of the requirements for their general studies core or for a specific major. In many cases, you can meet that requirement with study abroad experience, perhaps by taking a language class in a country where English isn’t the primary language.

Wherever your college journey takes you, be sure to carve out time to explore the world around you. Once you step outside your comfort zone, you’ll be surprised by the unique places—and people—that are part of God’s amazing creation.

Northwestern offers its own summer and semester-long study abroad opportunities and also partners with programs in more than a dozen countries around the world. Visit nwciowa.edu/study-abroad to learn more.

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College is a wonderful time of freedoms and opportunities coupled with academic challenges and responsibilities. Those who thrive in college graduate with both career-worthy skills and lifelong friends and memories. But without some intentionality, balancing academics and college life can be one of the most challenging things students face. How can you achieve this balance?

Plan + Prioritize
Prioritizing your responsibilities and activities, as well as time for yourself, is key to thriving in college. Take time to determine what requires the most attention and effort, and consider your working style. When do you have the most energy and focus during the day?  Make a plan each week for when and how you will accomplish your tasks. Get a planner or create a system for keeping track of your life. Be disciplined to do your classwork before hanging out with friends. Look for time slots in your day when you can study, work or take care of life needs like doing laundry.

Northwestern College’s Compass Center for Career & Calling can assist students in identifying their skills and determining a plan for working toward their goals. Talking through interests, talents and commitments with a career counselor can be instrumental in knowing how best to use your time.

Make Healthy Choices
In order to accomplish your goals, you also need to take care of your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly are choices you can make that will enable you to perform well and enjoy life. Be aware of things that are distracting, and avoid them during times you need to focus. (This may mean turning your phone off for a while or studying somewhere other than your room.) And before adding an activity to your calendar, ask yourself, “Will participation in this group or club contribute to something I value or not?” and “Do I have time to add this to my other responsibilities?”

At Northwestern College, we are preparing students for life beyond college. Our dedicated residence life, student life and counseling programs offer many services to help students make positive and healthy choices that will empower them to lead a life of significance and success. Northwestern’s award-winning facilities provide great places for students to study, exercise, worship together and connect with others in activities. We’re committed to helping you make healthy choices that will result in meeting your goals.

Ask for Help
If you’re struggling in a class, don’t wait to get help.  Seek assistance from a friend, meet with a tutor in the Peer Learning Center or schedule time with your professor to ask questions and get the help you need. Keeping up with the concepts and work in each class will help you succeed academically and will reduce your overall stress.

Northwestern College’s Peer Learning Center offers more than 180 tutors ready to help students in all areas of study. Our tutors are students who understand and model time management that allows for both academics and social activities. More than 75% of Northwestern students report using the Peer Learning Center at some point during their college years and have found it to be very helpful.

Try New Things
Openness to new experiences and ideas helps us lead a more balanced life. Look for opportunities on campus to interact with those who are different from you. Step out of your comfort zone. Try new activities. Participate in service projects and share your gifts with others. Doing these things will teach you both about yourself and the world. Understanding more about yourself will help you make choices that lead to life balance.

Students at Northwestern College can connect with others and consider new perspectives through Ngage. This program helps students think through the “big questions” of life in a deep and Christ-centered way. Our Bridge Center for Intercultural Development celebrates the diversity in God’s world and connects people with each other and with God. Additionally, our spring and summer short-term mission opportunities enable students to learn from and bless others all over the world.

College is a time of preparation for a career, but also for life. In addition to investing in coursework, take time to grow in your faith, build friendships, discover your gifts and passions, begin a mentoring relationship, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Planning, prioritizing, choosing well and trying new things will help you find balance between academics and other college activities, enabling you to have the time of your life while preparing for the rest of it.

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College is about learning new things and being challenged by new concepts. That’s how we grow. But, no matter how smart, prepared or experienced we are, there are times in life we all need a little help. Knowing where to find assistance on campus is key to succeeding in college.

Overall student success and well-being is a top priority for colleges. To help students thrive, most institutions offer a variety of support services centered around academics, mental health, campus living and career planning. Here are some services to look for when considering a college:

Academic support and tutoring
When we’re confused or stuck in our studies, the best thing we can do is ask someone who understands the concept. Finding a student who’s already taken the class, getting help from the professor, and taking advantage of campus tutoring services are great ways to gain the knowledge you need to master the skill or concept.

The Peer Learning Center at Northwestern College offers free tutoring provided by nearly 180 peer tutors. Additionally, the center offers study sessions, academic counseling, writing workshops and learning accommodations for those with disabilities. Three out of four Northwestern students use this valuable resource regularly during their college years.

Transition to college
It can be challenging to acclimate to the academic and social aspects of college life. It’s important to learn how to stay on top of your studies and structure your time and energy in ways that will result in success.

At Northwestern College, students participate in a First-Year Seminar course that teaches self-learning strategies and introduces them to interdisciplinary thinking, college-level writing and public speaking, and our Christian academic community. For those who are first-generation college students, commuters, geographically distant, students of color and students from an underrepresented population, Northwestern also offers RISE. This comprehensive transition program offers an orientation retreat, connection to a host family, and peer mentoring to provide students with additional support during college and prepare them for their future.

Counseling services
Recent statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness indicate more than half of college students report overwhelming anxiety that makes academics more difficult, and more than 80% of college students have felt overwhelmed by their responsibilities. (So feeling this way is pretty normal!) But it’s also important to find support to help you establish healthy ways of coping with these feelings and reducing stress.

Northwestern College offers free counseling services to all students. Licensed professional therapists provide private, confidential therapy for students to help them cope with issues, alter behaviors and ultimately manage the problems they’re facing.

Career and future planning
Your goal in college is to gain knowledge and experience that will give you the skills to fulfill your calling. However, when there are many options for applying your degree in the workforce, it can be hard to discern what opportunities to pursue. Talking with a career counselor is a great way to bring clarity to this process.

At Northwestern College, the Compass Center for Career and Calling helps students understand how to translate what they’ve learned into something valuable to employers. The center also assists students with resume writing, online job searches, and connecting with alumni through internships, job shadowing and employment.

Life skill training
For most students, college is a time of new independence and opportunity. This stage of life also begins a series of responsibilities that may be new and challenging. Look for a college that provides workshops, seminars or resources for students to help them learn about and excel in life skills needed for adulthood.

To equip our students to stand out and make wise choices as emerging adults, Northwestern College offers an “Adulting 101” series that includes tips and strategies on topics like personal finance, meal planning, dining etiquette and vehicle maintenance.

With the right support, all students can thrive in college. Be sure to research the resources available and take advantage of the support services offered. Asking for help is often the key to success.

Check out the extensive support services available to students at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. We’re committed to preparing students for a career and a life that makes a difference. At Northwestern, you’ll get the support you need to lead a life of significance and live out your calling. Learn more at nwciowa.edu.

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College-bound students face a lot of pressure. Beyond finishing high school, applying for scholarships and completing college applications, there’s the ever-present question, “What are you going to major in?”

Despite the pressure to have life planned out at age 18, it’s truly OK to enter college undecided on your major.

You’re not alone
Research shows 20 to 50% of students enter college with an undecided major, and more than 30% end up changing their major before they graduate.

That means a high percentage of students are still exploring their options throughout the first years of college. And they’re not doing this alone. Most colleges offer support services on campus to help students determine their areas of interest and define their strategy for choosing a major.

Beginning in the first year, the  Compass Center for Career and Calling at  Northwestern College works with students to help them assess their personality, strengths, interests and values—knowledge that’s invaluable when choosing a major and matching one’s skills with a potential career. It’s our goal to help students get to know themselves better and discern the options they have for using the gifts God has uniquely given them.

Take time to explore
Entering college undecided gives you time to find your true areas of passion and gifting. As an undecided major, you can take classes in various disciplines to assess which one feels like a good fit for you. Additionally, there are many opportunities outside the classroom that can help you clarify your field of interest. Interview people who work in fields that interest you. Participate in a job shadow, mentorship or internship program. The more experiences you pursue, the more equipped you’ll be to determine the major that’s best for you.

At  Northwestern College, professors want students to gain an excellent liberal arts education and graduate when planned. They work hard to help students choose classes strategically and complete the credits necessary to still finish on time—even when students come to college undecided on a major. We’re proud that 86% of our graduates complete their degree in four years or less.

You are more than your major
Your degree will qualify you for a lot of things in life. Employers are looking for people with both skills and experiences that are valuable, transferable and marketable. If you come to college with a commitment to learn and grow, every experience you have will teach you something and help guide you toward your ultimate area of focus and calling in life. As you begin choosing a major, ask yourself, “What kinds of things can I do with this degree?” Look for ways you can take advantage of all the opportunities the college offers to gain real-world experience in your field. Seek out unique ways to grow in using what you are learning for your future career—and for your life outside your job.

Students who attend Northwestern stand out in their fields due to the wide variety of opportunities to gain real-world experience early on in their college years. Their ability to use what they learn in the classroom and apply it firsthand throughout their college career makes them well-rounded people and more marketable to employers.

Coming to college undecided could be your best decision. Being undecided opens up unlimited opportunities to explore, learn, grow and define your future in ways you may not have imagined. Take time to consider your best path and make each experience count along the way.

Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, equips students to embark on their calling by helping them explore their interests, develop their skills and experience hands-on learning. We invite you to learn more at nwciowa.edu.

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Visiting colleges can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents and soon-to-be college students. You may have already browsed a college’s brochures and visited its website, but what should you look for when you’re actually on campus with your student?

1. Academic rigor and support: Although the college experience involves many things, academic value is your biggest concern. Ensuring the college has a strong commitment to academic excellence is critical. Make plans to meet with a professor in the area of your student’s interests. Ask if you can attend a class or talk with some students in the major your student is considering. Tour the buildings where your student would be taking classes. Assess how the college has staffed and invested in facilities, technology and tutoring to aid in your student’s educational experience.
2. Attention to students: Your student will grow and mature as a person during the college years. What—and who—will be the biggest influences in their life? As you tour the campus, pay attention to how the students and faculty are interacting. Do faculty and staff know students’ names? Are their interactions warm and friendly? What is the overall feel on campus? Does it seem like the culture is one where people care about one another?  
   
3. Affinity groups: College provides opportunities to explore new activities, share talents and meet lifelong friends. Ask about the various sports, music, theatre, clubs and student leadership roles available. Make plans to meet with a coach, director or staff leader to learn more about groups your student might like. Go to a game. Attend a concert or a chapel service. Help your student “find their people” and get a taste of the opportunities ahead.
4. Accessibility: Everyone needs help through this big transition. Develop a point of contact in the admissions office and send them questions before and after your visit. Assess how responsive they are at getting your questions answered and caring for your needs. Do you feel as though they are welcoming you into their community and truly want to help your student make a successful transition?
5. Accommodations: This will be your student’s new home away from home, so it’s important to carefully check out the accommodations. (Mom: It’s OK to ask a million questions here. Your student wants to know the answers too—they’re just too scared to ask.)

• Living space: Ask to see a dorm room and find out about the campus living options. Would your student be able to pick their roommate if living on campus? Do most students live on campus, or is it more of a commuter college?
• Food: Eat in the cafeteria and get a feel for the types of meals your student will have. Learn about meal plan options and special dietary accommodations. Ask about other places on campus to find food, coffee and snacks. Are there flex plans to use dining dollars in multiple places on campus?
• Safety: Be attentive to ways the college is keeping students safe. Do residence halls have professional hall directors? Do dorms require a key or code to enter? Is there good lighting on campus? Does the college—and the community in which it resides—have a good track record of safety and security?

Whether this is your first, middle or last child heading off to school, making the most of your campus visit will equip your family to choose wisely when it comes to your student’s future.

As you make your list of colleges to visit, we’d love for you to spend a day with us at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. At Northwestern, your student will find a community where they’ll be known and valued while developing skills to stand out among their peers and enter the world with courage, character and confidence. Plan your visit today!

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Although tuition costs continue to rise, there’s no question that attending college remains an important investment. Plus, there are plenty of resources available to make your education more affordable. After considering what you can pay out of pocket, these options could offset the remaining costs and provide you and your family with peace of mind. 

1. Your first step: The FAFSA
   Before you can receive financial aid from your college and the federal government, you’ll need to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form collects information about your family’s finances and helps colleges determine how much financial aid you’ll receive. You can file the FAFSA after October 1 using information from your previous year's tax filing.
2. Uncle Sam’s contribution: Federal and state aid
   Students with significant financial need may be awarded a Federal Pell Grant, money that does not need to be repaid. Iowa residents who attend an eligible private school—like Northwestern College—may also receive an Iowa Tuition Grant. (Iowa has one of the most generous state grants in the nation!)
   
   Once you’ve filed the FAFSA, you also qualify for direct student loans from the federal government. Although these loans must be repaid after you graduate (or leave school), they usually have lower interest rates and shorter repayment periods than loans from a private bank. Parent PLUS loans are another funding option. Unlike direct loans, Parent PLUS loans are taken out in the parent’s name and make him or her responsible for repayment.
3. Fast cash with long repayment: Private loans
   If you need additional funding after receiving federal aid, consider applying for a private loan from your bank. Private student loans fill in the gaps, but interest rates tend to be higher and the repayment periods longer. While paying higher interest over a longer period means more expense, private loans can be a valuable choice for families who need the funds before the first day of class. 
4. Local and college support: Scholarships
   With a strong high school GPA—and for some schools, standout test scores—you are well on your way to earning a scholarship from your college. At Northwestern, we offer academic scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on a student's high school (or college) GPA and test scores.
   
   But don’t stop there. Your high school guidance counselor is an excellent resource for information on available scholarships, and there may be businesses and other organizations in your community that offer funds to college students. Your parent or guardian’s bank or insurance company, the local Rotary Club or a similar service organization, and your family’s church are great places to start.
5. Your side hustle: Work-study
   Another great way to score some cash while in school is to apply for a work-study position. These jobs range from campus maintenance and tech support to office tasks, shelving library books and more. Northwestern’s work-study positions range from 5 to 10 hours each week and pay up to $2,800 a year, which can be put toward your tuition or other college expenses. Working during the summer months is also a helpful means of padding your wallet in preparation for back-to-school costs.

College might be expensive, but with a little financial savvy, you can pay your way toward graduation with minimal debt. Talk to your college financial aid officer about additional options available, and prepare for an educational experience that is priceless.

Northwestern College wants to invest in YOU, your gifts and your talents. It’s why we’re committed to making college more affordable—starting with guaranteed scholarships/grants of at least $10,000/year. Visit our website  to learn why we’re one of the “best colleges for the money.”

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As you consider your college options, you’re likely to research major offerings, athletic and performing arts opportunities, financial aid, residence life and student amenities. But what about the size of the college you’re interested in? The differences between a tight-knit college community and a large university play a significant role in your educational experience. Here are just a few perks of attending a small college where you’ll be known by your name instead of just a number.

Hi, my name is … 
Attending a college of 3,000 students or less increases your chances of introducing yourself and being remembered later. Instead of blending into the background of a crowded lecture hall, you’ll take classes with fewer students—giving you the opportunity to learn your classmates’ names and actively participate in discussions. Manageable class sizes also enable professors to develop relationships with their students, making them more likely to meet outside of class to offer advice and answer questions. And since they’ll know you well, profs will be able to write specific, meaningful letters of recommendation for you as you apply for jobs or graduate programs. 

What do students love most about Northwestern College? Belonging to a community and learning from professors who genuinely care about their success. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students describe their classes as “1:1 tutoring in a classroom setting.”  

Familiar faces 
A small campus environment will soon be filled with familiar faces—many of whom you’ll know by name. As you become more involved in your program of study, you might find yourself in classes with the same professor or groups of students. Learning in this kind of community can lead to deeper class discussions and a strong network of connections to draw upon as you launch your career. Smaller colleges also tend to be more intentional about building community in the dorms, so you’ll get to know the people you live with beyond just sharing living space. 

At Northwestern, dorms are not exclusive to freshmen. In fact, many upperclassmen choose to live in the dorms after their freshman year, forming relationships with students across class years.  

Small-town hospitality 
For students seeking a “home away from home,” the bustle of a big city can’t compare to a supportive college community and some down-home hospitality. Small-town colleges are usually located in rural or suburban areas where residents love to cheer for their local teams, attend college concerts and theatre productions, and host students for home-cooked meals.

It’s not uncommon for Northwestern professors to meet students for coffee or invite them into their homes for a meal. They—along with members of the Orange City community—are committed to helping students thrive in the college environment by providing support and mentorship as students launch into adulthood.

Flexible programming 
Another benefit of attending a small college is having greater freedom to design the course of study that is right for you. If you have more than one academic interest, your adviser may be able to work with other departments to waive or substitute certain course requirements so you can pursue multiple paths of study—or develop your own interdisciplinary major—and still graduate on time. With less competition for spots in a class, it will also be easier to take the classes you need when you need them.

Meet one of Northwestern College’s standout triple majors. Strong communication across departments helped Steven find success as a math, chemistry and biology–health professions major.

Encouraging your interests 
Because of the strong sense of community on a smaller campus, faculty, music/theatre directors and coaches are better equipped to communicate with each other and accommodate your diverse interests. If you’re a gifted athlete, coaches may offer you the flexibility to split your time between two varsity sports. Professors will support your pursuits in the performing arts, helping you make up the classwork you miss while touring with the band or rehearsing for a show. Unlike large universities where students commit to a single activity, Northwestern students are putting their God-given talents to work across campus—often at the encouragement of faculty and staff. 

If you’re looking for a college that will both support and challenge you, consider attending Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Our campus community will value your unique gifts and encourage you in the pursuit of your goals. Visit campus to find out why 9 in 10 freshmen feel a sense of belonging after just a few weeks.

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Ah, fall … The season of school start-ups, Friday night football, corn mazes and all things pumpkin spice. Fall is also an ideal time to experience a college campus at its best: buzzing with students! Once you’ve scheduled a visit, check out our guide of things to see and do while you’re there.

Home sweet home
Your college pick could be your home for the next four years, so it’s important to visit campus and explore firsthand. A tour will likely be the first item on your visit schedule, so ask your guide to see the places where you plan to spend your time.

Bookworm? Scope out the best study spots at the library. Athlete? Visit the facility where you’ll train and practice. Social butterfly? Find out where students like to hang out (it’s usually near food—or coffee) and don’t be afraid to say hi.

Number one fan
What better way to experience student life than joining in the fun? Ask your admissions counselor about upcoming events and see if you can schedule your visit to coincide with an athletic event or theatre production. If you’re musically inclined, you may want to visit when the band or choir are performing.

Admissions visitors to Northwestern College can attend theatre productions, music concerts and athletic events for free. Students can also attend a rehearsal or team practice, audition for a music or theatre scholarship, or meet with a coach.

Day in the life
If you haven’t already, tell the admissions office what major(s) and co-curricular activities you are interested in. You may have the opportunity to attend class, meet with a professor from the program, or connect with a college student who shares your interests.

Be sure to grab a bite at the cafeteria or campus coffee shop (Warm Cookie Wednesday is an essential stop for visitors to Northwestern!), and if the option is available, see if you can stay overnight in the dorms. Spending the night with a current student is a great way to get a sense of residence life and what students do after class. (Late-night food runs or Netflix watch parties, anyone?)

Faith in practice
When visiting a Christian college or university, carve out time in your visit to attend chapel. Not only will it give excellent insight into the college’s vision for faith and learning, but it will also demonstrate students’ commitment to campus ministry, the chaplain’s style of leadership, and how messages are tailored to college students. Taking 30 minutes to pause and worship might even give you clarity on where God is calling you next in your educational journey.

At Northwestern College, our student body worships together several times each week. Our student-led, contemporary-style service—Praise + Worship—is held Sunday nights, while our Tuesday and Friday chapels feature messages from leading voices in the global church and from among our faculty, staff and students.

Crunch the numbers
A campus visit is also a good time to learn more about college costs, scholarship opportunities and potential loan options. College is an investment, but most schools are committed to making tuition more affordable. It’s why Northwestern guarantees every accepted student a scholarship or grant of at least $10,000/year. A high GPA paired with outstanding test scores might make you eligible for even more. Whatever your family’s financial situation, meeting with a financial aid expert can help answer questions about the payment options that are right for you. 

As you plan your campus visits this fall, we’d love for you to make a stop in Orange City, Iowa, to experience Northwestern College for yourself! Schedule an individual visit  or sign up for a Raider Day , our group visit experience.

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The college search presents plenty of options—each with its own selection of academic programs, financial aid offerings and co-curricular activities. But what about a college that shares your Christian values and beliefs? For some high schoolers, being part of a community where their faith can flourish is just as important as learning from top profs or being recruited to a fine arts or athletic program.

Here are a few reasons why a Christian college might be the right fit for you—and how it leads to spiritual growth, lifelong friendships, and success in your education, career and life.

1. Be surrounded by people who care about you.

   Christian colleges are usually smaller in size, so you’ll enjoy small classes with personal attention from your professors. At large universities, teaching assistants often do much of the lecturing, but on a smaller campus, you’ll learn directly from your professors—and better yet, get to know them. At Northwestern College, we emphasize the value of community—because you simply learn better and grow more when others know and care about you. It’s one reason we worship together in chapel twice a week, plan student events that foster friendships, and have professional resident directors who serve as live-in mentors in the dorms.  

2. Integrate your faith into daily learning and living.

   Chapel services, praying in class, and dorm Bible studies are all things you might experience at a college that’s intentionally Christian. Other colleges and universities might have Christian ministry groups, but Christ-centered discussions in the classroom or in everyday interactions will be rare. That’s one of the reasons Northwestern’s faith integration stands out—our professors are eager to discuss what serving God looks like in their fields of expertise, so you’ll be prepared for a career that’s rooted in faith. You’ll also explore questions about the Bible and Christianity with other students during weekly D-Groups (discipleship groups) in the dorms.

3. Engage in hands-on service—locally, nationally and across the globe.

   Did you love participating in high school mission trips? If so, you should pick a college where you can do even more! Many Christian colleges connect students with volunteer ministry and mission opportunities in their region (and these experiences look great on a resume). Northwestern students love to serve others—so much so that many spend their spring or summer breaks working with churches, homeless shelters, refugee camps and other nonprofit organizations on Spring Service Partnerships or a Summer of Service.

4. Meet other students who are passionate about God and be held accountable in your faith journey.

   College is a hugely formative time. The relationships you form and the impact they have on you and your character could last a lifetime, so it’s beneficial to attend a school where others share your core values. You’ll still encounter people who see the world differently from you, but your shared faith in Jesus Christ can provide common ground for conversation and growth. You’ll also find that Christian college towns are usually home to churches that welcome students with open arms (and sometimes, a free meal). That spirit of hospitality might make your transition away from home a little easier—and help you find spiritual support during your college years.

5. Prepare for a career—and a life—that makes a difference.

   When faith is at the center of your college experience, you’ll have more opportunities to explore God’s call and how to use your unique gifts in the world. We think Northwestern College is the best place to do just that. Raiders aren’t just top accountants, skilled physicians and creative teachers; they’re also faithful spouses, caring parents and dedicated community members. No matter where life takes you, a Northwestern education will empower you for success at work, at home and in the world.

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