8 Reasons Why You Should Choose Northwestern College

If you’re looking for a standout Christian college committed to helping you thrive in academics, faith, relationships and your future career, consider Northwestern College. Raider Nation is a place where faculty and staff are passionate about getting to know you and helping you discover God’s call 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
  • NWC actuarial science grads average an 80% pass rate on professional credential exams
  • NWC theatre students have won national awards in dramaturgy and design 6 years in a row
  • Niche.com ranks NWC as the best college for education majors in the state of Iowa

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

100% of Northwestern's 2025 graduates landed jobs, started grad school or intentionally pursued service within 6 months of earning their degrees. 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 are published scholars, thanks to collaborative research with Northwestern faculty. Professors have been awarded research grants by the National Science Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust and the 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. During the 2025-26 season, 8 Raider teams secured conference championships and 12 sports qualified for nationals—including a national runners-up trophy for volleyball. And during that same season, Raider varsity athletes achieved an average GPA of 3.32.

5. Generous financial aid.

Every student admitted to Northwestern is guaranteed $18,000 in scholarships and grants each year. (That’s $72,000 over the course of 4 years!) Raiders have an average out-of-pocket cost of $17,570 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.

Spiritual growth will be a key component of your Northwestern experience. In fact, 95% of students 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 the best.

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, movies and open-mic music events, 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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