About Northwest University
Northwest University builds leaders through a Christian lens, emphasizing practical ministry alongside traditional academics. The 642-student campus in suburban Kirkland draws heavily from the Pacific Northwest, with 78% of students coming from Washington state. This Assemblies of God institution has earned recognition for its education, business, and nursing programs, preparing graduates for both secular careers and ministry roles.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $25,161 after aid, well below the published tuition of $36,035. Graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,891 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average just $221, suggesting most students can handle their financial obligations after graduation.
The intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that define the Northwest experience. About 62% of students are women, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing fields. The Eagles compete in 10 varsity sports with $1.3 million in athletic scholarships available. With a 94% acceptance rate, Northwest welcomes students ready to grow in faith and academics rather than chasing exclusivity.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $25,161 after aid, well below the published tuition of $36,035. Graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,891 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average just $221, suggesting most students can handle their financial obligations after graduation.
The intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that define the Northwest experience. About 62% of students are women, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing fields. The Eagles compete in 10 varsity sports with $1.3 million in athletic scholarships available. With a 94% acceptance rate, Northwest welcomes students ready to grow in faith and academics rather than chasing exclusivity.
Academics & Faculty
Northwest University offers a Christian liberal arts education with particularly strong programs in education, business, and nursing. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students by name and provide individualized attention. With only 642 students total, the university creates an intimate academic environment where collaboration thrives. The 65.54% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing rigorous coursework with the university's emphasis on faith integration and service learning. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and internships throughout the Seattle metro area. The Assemblies of God affiliation shapes curriculum across disciplines, requiring students to explore how their faith connects to their chosen field of study.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.5%
- Retention Rate
- 73.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,914
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,715 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Education, General. | Master | $55,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,775 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,971 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $41,789 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $41,565 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $39,049 |
Campus Life
Northwest University sits in Kirkland, just 10 miles from Seattle's downtown core. The 56-acre campus houses 672 students, meaning most of the 642 enrolled live on campus in a tight-knit community. You'll need rain gear more than sunscreen - Seattle's famously drizzly climate means overcast skies and light rain for much of the academic year.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know your name. With 61.68% women and strong Assemblies of God roots, campus life revolves around faith-based activities and small group gatherings. The Eagles compete in 10 varsity sports with 159 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the small size. Weekends often involve trips into Seattle for coffee culture, music venues, and outdoor activities in the Cascades. The suburban setting provides quiet study spaces while keeping urban amenities accessible. Chapel attendance and Christian service opportunities define much of the social calendar, reflecting the university's mission-driven culture.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know your name. With 61.68% women and strong Assemblies of God roots, campus life revolves around faith-based activities and small group gatherings. The Eagles compete in 10 varsity sports with 159 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the small size. Weekends often involve trips into Seattle for coffee culture, music venues, and outdoor activities in the Cascades. The suburban setting provides quiet study spaces while keeping urban amenities accessible. Chapel attendance and Christian service opportunities define much of the social calendar, reflecting the university's mission-driven culture.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 672 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1934
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–47°F
- July Avg
- 56°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
Northwest University draws students who want Christian education close to home. With 78% coming from Washington state, the school has built a strong regional reputation among families seeking faith-based learning. Women make up 62% of students, reflecting the university's popularity for education and nursing programs. The student body is predominantly white at 62%, though Hispanic enrollment reaches 13%. About 23% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families alongside those needing more financial support. Students typically choose Northwest for its intimate Christian community and career-focused programs.
- Men
- 38.3%
- Women
- 61.7%
- White
- 61.7%
- Black
- 6.4%
- Hispanic
- 13.2%
- Asian
- 4.7%
- In-State Students
- 78.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.1%
Location
Northwest University sits in Kirkland, Washington, about 10 miles northeast of Seattle across Lake Washington. The 642-student campus enjoys a prime Pacific Northwest location in a prosperous suburb known for its waterfront parks and tech industry presence. Kirkland offers students access to internships and jobs in the greater Seattle metropolitan area while maintaining a smaller community feel. The region features the typical Pacific Northwest landscape of evergreen forests, lakes, and mountain views, with the Cascade Range visible on clear days. The 73.08% retention rate reflects students who appreciate both the Christian campus culture and proximity to Seattle's opportunities. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Northwest University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Kirkland, Washington 98083-0579
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,914
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,391
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $221/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,891
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwest University?
Northwest University accepts 94.26% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1185. This Christian liberal arts school in Kirkland welcomes students seeking a faith-based education in the Pacific Northwest.
How much does Northwest University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,161 after aid, down from the $47,385 total cost of attendance. The school is known for making Christian higher education accessible with 73% of students receiving federal loans.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest University?
Northwest University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 642 total students enrolled. This small Christian university emphasizes personalized attention in programs like education, business, and nursing.
Does Northwest University have good graduation outcomes?
The school graduates 65.54% of students in four years with a 63.50% six-year graduation rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $54,914 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's focus on career preparation.
Where do Northwest University students live on campus?
The campus houses 672 students with room and board costing $10,648 annually. Located in suburban Kirkland, the university serves primarily Washington state residents who make up 78% of the student body.
Is Northwest University affiliated with a specific denomination?
Northwest University maintains affiliation with the Assemblies of God denomination since its founding in 1934. The school integrates Christian faith with liberal arts education while fielding 10 varsity sports teams known as the Eagles.
