About Northwest Nazarene University
Students pay an average net price of $25,537 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $39,370. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,719 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,750 manageable. The 97.4% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes for graduates. Monthly loan payments average just $252, reflecting the university's commitment to affordable Christian education.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. Women comprise 57% of the student body, while 53% of students come from Idaho. The Nighthawks compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 281 student-athletes across 11 varsity sports. However, the 60% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees within six years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.9%
- Retention Rate
- 78.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,719
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $44,384 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,682 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,565 |
| Social Work. | Master | $40,768 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,729 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,153 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Campus Life
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals. Chapel services and Christian fellowship groups anchor campus life, reflecting the university's Church of the Nazarene heritage dating back to 1913. The Nighthawks compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports, with 281 student-athletes representing about a quarter of the student body. Weekends often revolve around athletic events, outdoor recreation in Idaho's mountains and lakes, or trips to nearby Boise for shopping and dining. The suburban campus offers space to breathe while maintaining strong campus traditions that bind the community together around shared values and academic pursuit.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 843 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1913
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–39°F
- July Avg
- 57°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.7%
- Women
- 57.3%
- White
- 66.8%
- Black
- 1.7%
- Hispanic
- 14.7%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 52.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.5%
Location
- Address
- Nampa, Idaho 83686-5897
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,719
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,213
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $252/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwest Nazarene University?
Northwest Nazarene University accepts 88.19% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1120, reflecting the university's commitment to welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds into its Christian liberal arts community.
How much does Northwest Nazarene University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $25,537 annually, lower than the sticker price of $52,240. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $22,918, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay around $28,028.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest Nazarene University?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, providing personalized attention in a small college environment. With just 1,138 students enrolled, this Christian liberal arts university emphasizes close relationships between professors and students in its faith-based academic community.
What are the career outcomes for Northwest Nazarene University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,719 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 97.4%. The six-year graduation rate is 59.90%, and graduates typically carry $23,750 in debt with monthly loan payments of $252.
Where is Northwest Nazarene University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Nampa, Idaho, a midsize suburban setting that offers a quieter college experience. With housing capacity for 843 students and a retention rate of 78.72%, the campus provides a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Christian universities.
Does Northwest Nazarene University offer athletic scholarships?
The university awards $3,165,141 in athletic scholarships across 11 varsity sports programs. With 281 total athletes competing as the Nighthawks in NCAA Division II, the school maintains a strong athletic tradition within the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
