8 Reasons Why You Should Choose Northwestern College

If you’re looking for a standout Christian college committed to helping you thrive in faith, academics, relationships and your future career, consider making Northwestern College your “home away from home.” You’ll find that Raider Nation is a place where faculty and staff are passionate about getting to know you for YOU and helping you discover God’s calling for your life. Check out these 8 reasons why Northwestern is Iowa’s Standout Christian College:

1. You’ll get a top-rated education. We have the scores to prove it.

Northwestern students consistently achieve top scores in pre-med, nursing, accounting and more. Here are some highlights:

  • NWC nursing grads achieved a 100% board pass rate 6 years in a row
  • 100% of 2024 science grads who pursued medical school were accepted
  • A Raider accounting grad recorded a national top-40 score on the CPA exam in 2023
  • NWC theatre students have won national awards in dramaturgy, technology, and sound, scenic + lighting design 5 years in a row
  • NWC senior business majors score in the top 1% of 5,000+ teams in the international Business Strategy Game

2. Your Raider resume will impress employers and grad schools.

99.5% of Northwestern graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 6 months of graduation. 93% of NWC alumni who pursue advanced degrees say that Northwestern prepared them well for the academic rigor of grad school.

3. As a Raider, you’ll take part in world-class research.

More than 60 Northwestern students have peer-reviewed publications based on their research, thanks to collaborative research with Northwestern faculty. Professors have been awarded research grants by the National Science Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust and American Psychological Association. Here are just a few of the current research opportunities students are involved in:

  • SEA-PHAGES, a global effort to discover phages (viruses that infect bacteria) and sequence and annotate their DNA
  • SEA-GENES, in which students discover unknown functions of viral genes
  • Data collection on the mental health of Ukrainian refugees living in the U.S.

4. Raiders win.

Raider student-athletes set records and take home trophies. They also stand out in the classroom. Since 2019, our volleyball and football teams have made five appearances at NAIA nationals, including a football national championship in 2022 and a volleyball national runners-up distinction in 2023. During the 2024-25 season, 10 Raider teams secured conference championships and 12 sports qualified for nationals. And during that same season, Raider athletes achieved an average GPA of 3.4.

5. Generous financial aid.

Every student admitted to Northwestern is guaranteed $17,000 in scholarships and grants each year. (That’s $68,000 over the course of 4 years!) Raiders have an average out-of-pocket cost of $17,610 per year, so you may pay less to attend Northwestern than you would at a state university.

6. You’ll grow in your faith and serve God’s kingdom.

Christian formation will be a key component of your Northwestern experience. In fact, 95% of students living in residence halls say that attending Northwestern has helped them grow in their trust, love and worship of God. You’ll study the Bible with your dormmates, hear from leading voices in the church during chapel, and have opportunities to serve around the world through short-term missions.

7. Raider residence life is unlike the rest.

Raiders love living on campus. In a recent residence life survey, 95% of students said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their res life experience. Unlike many other colleges, we don’t have freshmen-only dorms at NWC. Instead, you’ll live among upperclassmen who have been in your shoes and can help support you in your transition to college life.

8. There’s so much to do, you won’t want to leave.

Northwestern isn’t a suitcase college—in other words, students don’t pack up and head home after classes end on Friday. When you’re not studying, you’ll stay busy attending student activities like bingo + trivia events, movie premiere showings, game show-like competitions, and pancakes with NWC’s president. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to:

  • Cheer on the Raiders at home athletic events
  • Play intramurals that range from foosball and chess to pickleball and sand volleyball
  • Attend NWC theatre productions and music concerts
  • Check out professional and student art exhibits on campus
  • Hang out with your dormmates at all-hall events
  • …and more!

Ready to take the next step? Visit us at nwciowa.edu/BeARaider to get started.

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