Northwestern College: 87.3% Acceptance Rate

87.3%Acceptance

$35,300Tuition

1,125Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,802Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Reformed Church in America

About Northwestern College

Northwestern College builds faith-centered education around strong teacher preparation and competitive athletics. This Reformed Church in America institution enrolls 1,125 students in Orange City, Iowa, a small town setting that fosters close community bonds. The college emphasizes both rigorous academics and spiritual development through its "Faith and Learning" motto.

Students pay an average net price of $23,519 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $35,300. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,802 ten years after leaving school, creating a reasonable return on investment. Monthly loan payments average $246, with typical debt loads of $23,249. The 87% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates manage their debt successfully.

The Red Raiders compete in 17 varsity sports with 620 total athletes, making athletics a major campus presence. Athletic scholarships total nearly $3.9 million, reflecting the college's commitment to competitive programs. The student body is 53% female and 78% white, with 58% coming from Iowa. A 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 80% retention rate shows most students find their fit here.

Academics & Faculty

Northwestern College builds its academic reputation on teacher preparation and Christian liberal arts education. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes typical of liberal arts colleges. Students can choose from traditional liberal arts disciplines while benefiting from the college's particularly strong education department, which produces many of Iowa's teachers. The 63% graduation rate reflects the challenging academic standards and rural setting that some students find isolating. Faith integration happens across all majors, from business to biology. Northwestern's semester system allows deep engagement with coursework. The college emphasizes both intellectual growth and spiritual development, preparing graduates for careers in education, ministry, and various professional fields throughout the Midwest.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.6%
Retention Rate: 79.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,802
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$61,516
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,193

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Campus Life

Orange City sits in rural northwestern Iowa, about 45 minutes from Sioux City and two hours from Des Moines. With 1,125 students and housing for 998, nearly 89% of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. You'll need heavy winter coats for Iowa's brutal winters, where temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow blankets the campus from December through March.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. Northwestern's Reformed Church heritage shapes campus life through required chapel services and faith-integrated coursework. With 620 students participating in 17 varsity sports, Red Raiders athletics dominate weekend social calendars. The college competes in NAIA Division II, making games accessible for casual fans while maintaining competitive intensity. Students often gather in residence halls or attend campus events since entertainment options in Orange City are limited. The 79.86% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to small-town campus life, though some transfer seeking more urban experiences.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 998 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–27°F
July Avg: 61°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 29.9"
Annual Snowfall: 34.8"

Student Demographics

Northwestern College draws students who value faith-based education in a close-knit community. The student body tilts slightly female, reflecting strong interest in the college's well-known education and nursing programs. Most students come from Iowa and surrounding Midwest states, giving the campus a regional flavor rooted in Reformed Church values. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The 1,125 students create an intimate environment where faith and academics intersect in small classes and chapel services.

Men: 47.4%
Women: 52.6%
White: 78.4%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 6.4%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 57.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.7%

Location

Northwestern College sits in Orange City, Iowa, a small town about 45 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The campus houses 998 students in a classic Midwest farming community of roughly 6,000 residents. Orange City maintains strong Dutch heritage, evident in its annual Tulip Festival and traditional architecture. The Reformed Church in America affiliation reflects the area's religious roots. Students experience small-town life surrounded by agricultural fields and wide-open spaces. With 57.88% of students coming from Iowa, many appreciate the familiar rural setting. The nearest shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Sioux Falls or Sioux City. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Northwestern College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Orange City, Iowa 51041

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,802
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,409
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 87.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,249

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern College?

Northwestern College accepts 87.33% of applicants, making admission fairly accessible for students interested in this Reformed Church in America institution. The college attracts students seeking a Christian liberal arts education in the small town of Orange City, Iowa.

How much does Northwestern College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Northwestern College is $23,519, lower than the full tuition of $35,300. Students typically graduate with $23,249 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $246.

What is Northwestern College known for academically?

Northwestern College is recognized for its strong teacher preparation programs and Christian liberal arts curriculum. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio among its 1,125 students, the college emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Northwestern College?

Northwestern College graduates 63.28% of students in four years with an impressive 99.6% employment rate. Alumni earn a median of $49,802 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of the college's career-focused liberal arts approach.

Where do students live at Northwestern College?

Northwestern College houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 998, serving nearly all of the 1,125 total enrollment. Room and board costs $10,700, and the college maintains a close-knit residential community atmosphere in Orange City.

Does Northwestern College have strong athletics programs?

Northwestern College fields 17 varsity sports with 620 total athletes competing as the Red Raiders in NAIA Division II. The college awards $3,887,433 in athletic scholarships annually, demonstrating its commitment to competitive athletics alongside academics.