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Northwestern College (NWC), founded in 1882, is a private institution that provides a comprehensive education. The college has evolved significantly since its establishment, maintaining a commitment to blending tradition with modern academic approaches. The campus is situated in a rural setting, offering a peaceful environment that supports academic focus. Covering 100 acres, the campus space is ample, providing students with various facilities to enhance both educational and extracurricular experiences.


Overview of Northwestern College (NWC)


The student body at Northwestern College is around 1,600 students as of Fall 2023, with 1,100+ of those being undergraduates. Despite this, the school has a 15 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention from faculty and a strong sense of community among students.

Academics include a range of programs designed to prepare students for various career paths. The institution emphasizes liberal arts education while supporting growth in specialized fields.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting Town: Distant
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 14:1
Graduation Rate 64%
Year Founded 1882

Student Enrollment


Total Students1,665

Undergraduate
1,146
Graduate
519

Undergraduate Student

Male 539
539
Female 607
607

Graduate Student

Male 244
244
Female 275
275

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NWC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS1,155

Male 621
Female 534

ACCEPTANCE1,005

Male 528
Female 475

Acceptance Rate87%

Male 85%
Female 89%

Enrollment 281

Male 158
Female 124
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA Required To Be Considered
High School Rank Not Considered
High School Transcripts Required To Be Considered
College Prep Courses Not Considered
Recommendations Not Considered
Formal demonstration of competencies Not Considered
Work experience Not Considered
Personal statement or essay Not Considered
Legacy status Not Considered
SAT/ACT Not Considered
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) Not Considered
English Proficiency Test Required To Be Considered
Application Deadline January 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

NWC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Northwestern College's tuition for a standard academic year stands at $35,300 in the 2023-24 academic year, which is notably less than the national average tuition of $47,999 as stated by US News. This offers a relatively more affordable option for prospective students when considering tuition expenses.

In addition to tuition, students typically incur fees that contribute to the overall cost. These may include charges for registration, student activities, and other institutional expenses, further influencing the total price of attendance.

For students concerned about the financial burden, Northwestern College provides various financial aid options. These include scholarships, grants, and need-based aid designed to help qualifying students manage costs more effectively. Students receiving grant or scholarship aid see an average net price of approximately $27,633 per year. This figure reflects the cost after aid is applied, underscoring the potential for significant financial savings with available assistance programs.

The availability of financial aid at Northwestern College emphasizes the institution’s commitment to accessibility. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these options to alleviate the financial impact of their education.

Average net price 2022-2023
Net Price $24,737
Average Total Aid $23,319
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $10,700

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $35,300
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $35,300
  • Books and Supplies - $1,100
  • Room & Board - $10,700
  • Other - $3,200

Popular Academic Programs at NWC


Northwestern College in Iowa offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful careers. The institution is known for its supportive environment, providing students with the opportunity to explore various fields. Its structured programs focus on both traditional studies and specialized areas, catering to an array of interests and career goals.

With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, Northwestern College ensures that students receive personalized attention. The intimate class sizes contribute to engaging and interactive learning experiences. This allows students to build strong connections with their professors, enhancing their educational journey.

The college offers several popular majors - with programs in nursing, kinesiology, and education standing out. The nursing program, in particular, boasts a remarkable 100% board exam pass rate, reflecting the quality of education and preparation students receive.

Northwestern College emphasizes a comprehensive liberal arts education in its approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. The faculty's commitment to integrating faith and learning adds to the unique educational environment. Students are not only equipped with professional skills but are also encouraged to lead lives of significance and purpose.

The college maintains a balance between academic rigor and community engagement, preparing students for both local and global challenges. Its academic offerings, coupled with dedicated faculty, ensure that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Student Population Total


Student Population 1,665

Undergraduate
1,146
Graduate
519
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 64 Total Graduates / 26%
Business Administration and Management, General 49 Graduates
Accounting 11 Graduates
Actuarial Science 4 Graduates
Education 34 Total Graduates / 14%
Elementary Education and Teaching 19 Graduates
Early Childhood Education and Teaching 10 Graduates
English/Language Arts Teacher Education 2 Graduates
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 1 Graduates
Secondary Education and Teaching 1 Graduates
Social Studies Teacher Education 1 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology 22 Total Graduates / 9%
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 11 Graduates
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 11 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 19 Total Graduates / 8%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 19 Graduates
Visual and Performing Arts 17 Total Graduates / 7%
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 5 Graduates
Graphic Design 5 Graduates
Music, General 5 Graduates
Visual and Performing Arts, Other 2 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 36%

Outcome & Salary


Graduates from Northwestern College experience various outcomes in their post-educational journeys. The college is attentive to tracking both employment and further education achievements of its alumni.

The institution boasts a solid graduation rate of 64%. This reflects the college's dedication to supporting students through to the completion of their studies. A significant percentage of graduates also secure employment or continue their education shortly after graduating. This illustrates the effectiveness of the college's career services and networking opportunities.

The paycheck for the average graduate is also competitive in comparison to similar institutions. This highlights the value of the education and training received at Northwestern College.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $59,500
College Grads Average Salary $92,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $104,400
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $920,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,964,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $98,948
10 Year Projected ROI $821,052
20 Year Projected ROI $1,865,052
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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