About Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education
Northwest University's Center for Online and Extended Education serves working adults and non-traditional students through flexible degree programs. The center enrolls 477 students and operates from the university's suburban Kirkland campus. As part of an Assemblies of God institution, the programs blend Christian faith with practical career preparation. Students can complete degrees while balancing work and family responsibilities through evening and weekend classes.
The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $26,734 annually, regardless of whether they live in Washington or elsewhere. Graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after starting college, which puts loan payments at a manageable $221 per month for most. However, the debt burden averages $20,891, and only 65.73% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. Just 20.72% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families.
The center faces retention challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. Only 70.83% of students return for their second year, and just 30.80% graduate within six years. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than traditional college settings. Despite these hurdles, 94.5% of graduates find employment, making it a viable path for career changers who can navigate the academic demands.
The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $26,734 annually, regardless of whether they live in Washington or elsewhere. Graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after starting college, which puts loan payments at a manageable $221 per month for most. However, the debt burden averages $20,891, and only 65.73% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. Just 20.72% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families.
The center faces retention challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. Only 70.83% of students return for their second year, and just 30.80% graduate within six years. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than traditional college settings. Despite these hurdles, 94.5% of graduates find employment, making it a viable path for career changers who can navigate the academic demands.
Academics & Faculty
Northwest University's Center for Online and Extended Education serves working adults through flexible degree programs rooted in Assemblies of God traditions. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 30.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many adult learners face balancing work and family commitments. The university emphasizes practical ministry preparation and business programs designed for career advancement. Students benefit from accelerated formats that recognize prior learning and life experience. The 70.83% retention rate shows most students who start persist through their first year. Course scheduling accommodates working professionals with evening and online options that make degree completion realistic for busy adults.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.8%
- Retention Rate
- 70.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,914
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,715 |
| Education, General. | Master | $55,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,775 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $41,565 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $39,049 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $31,853 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
Campus Life
Northwest University's Center for Online and Extended Education serves 477 students who never set foot on the main Kirkland campus. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio translates to virtual classrooms where you'll recognize voices week after week. Students log in from across the country, though 50% still call Washington state home.
The online experience centers around flexible scheduling that accommodates working adults. With a 94.5% employment rate, most students balance coursework with full-time jobs. The Assemblies of God affiliation shapes the curriculum through required biblical studies courses and chapel attendance via livestream. Discussion boards replace dorm room conversations, and group projects happen through video calls and shared documents.
The 70.83% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the convenience but struggle with the self-discipline required for online learning. Weekend "social life" might mean participating in virtual study groups or attending optional online events. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,891 and monthly loan payments of $221, making the education relatively affordable for those who complete the program.
The online experience centers around flexible scheduling that accommodates working adults. With a 94.5% employment rate, most students balance coursework with full-time jobs. The Assemblies of God affiliation shapes the curriculum through required biblical studies courses and chapel attendance via livestream. Discussion boards replace dorm room conversations, and group projects happen through video calls and shared documents.
The 70.83% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the convenience but struggle with the self-discipline required for online learning. Weekend "social life" might mean participating in virtual study groups or attending optional online events. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,891 and monthly loan payments of $221, making the education relatively affordable for those who complete the program.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
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's Center for Online and Extended Education draws an even split of Washington residents and out-of-state students seeking flexible Christian higher education. The student body leans female, reflecting the school's emphasis on education, social work, and ministry programs that traditionally attract more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working adults and families managing tight budgets. The racial diversity mirrors the broader Pacific Northwest, with a majority white population alongside meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Most students balance coursework with full-time employment.
- Men
- 44.9%
- Women
- 55.1%
- White
- 54.5%
- Black
- 9.4%
- Hispanic
- 12.4%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 50.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.7%
Location
Northwest University's Center for Online and Extended Education sits in Kirkland, Washington, just 10 miles northeast of Seattle across Lake Washington. The campus operates in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's tech corridor, where Amazon and Microsoft have major operations nearby. Kirkland itself is a suburban city of about 90,000 people along Lake Washington's eastern shore. The area offers easy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation in the Cascade Mountains. With 50% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to the proximity to Seattle's job market while maintaining a smaller campus feel. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Kirkland, Washington 98033
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 are the graduation rates at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
The four-year graduation rate stands at 34.04%, while the six-year rate is 30.80%. These relatively low completion rates reflect the challenges many online and extended education students face balancing work, family, and academic commitments.
How much does Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $26,734 annually, with tuition set at $14,652 for all students regardless of residency. Only 20.72% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the program attracts working adults who may not qualify for need-based aid.
What is the student experience like at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and 70.83% retention rate, the program offers personalized attention within its flexible format. The center serves 477 students, making it a small, focused extension of the main Assemblies of God university.
What kind of career outcomes do graduates from Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $54,914 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94.5% employment rate. The typical monthly loan payment is $221, reflecting the program's focus on providing affordable career advancement for working professionals.
Where do students at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education come from?
Exactly 50% of students are Washington state residents, while the other half come from across the country. The student body is 54.51% white, with significant Hispanic (12.37%) and Black (9.43%) representation.
Does Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education have a religious focus?
The center maintains its Assemblies of God affiliation, connecting it to the Christian Pentecostal tradition. This faith-based foundation shapes the educational philosophy while serving a diverse online student population of 55.14% women and 44.86% men.
