Northwestern Health Sciences University: $12,015 Tuition

$12,015Tuition

251Students

100%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,666Earnings

#1 in MinnesotaPrivate nonprofit4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Northwestern Health Sciences University

Northwestern Health Sciences University specializes in alternative and complementary medicine in a field dominated by traditional medical schools. This small institution enrolls just 251 students in Bloomington, Minnesota. The university focuses on chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and other well-rounded health disciplines. With a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive intensive hands-on training in specialized health practices.

The financial picture tells a complex story about specialized healthcare education. Students pay an average net price of $29,794 regardless of income level, with identical tuition rates of $12,015 for all students. Graduates earn a median of $48,666 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt of $7,500. Monthly loan payments average just $80, making this one of the more affordable paths into healthcare. Only 19.17% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families.

The student body reflects the demographics of alternative healthcare fields. Women comprise 73.71% of enrollment, typical for many health science programs. Every graduate completes their program within six years, achieving a 100% graduation rate. The employment rate reaches 94.6%, indicating strong job prospects in the growing alternative medicine sector.

Academics & Faculty

Northwestern Health Sciences University specializes in alternative and complementary medicine, offering focused programs in chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy. The school maintains an intimate learning environment with a 4:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention from instructors. All students graduate within six years, reflecting the university's 100% graduation rate and commitment to student success. The trimester calendar system allows for intensive, accelerated learning in health sciences disciplines. Women comprise 73.71% of the student body, typical for health-focused programs. The specialized curriculum prepares students for careers in integrative healthcare, combining traditional healing methods with modern wellness approaches. This focused academic model has served students since the university's founding in 1941.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Full-Time Faculty: 53.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,666
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Chiropractic.	Doctoral	$38,721

View all 16 programs →

Campus Life

Northwestern Health Sciences University sits just 10 miles south of Minneapolis, giving students access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a focused campus atmosphere in Bloomington. With only 251 students total, everyone knows each other by name. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors who guide your entire career path. Minnesota winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from November through March, but the campus community stays tight-knit through the cold months.

Women make up 74% of the student body, reflecting the demographics of many health professions. Since this is a specialized health sciences university without traditional dormitories, students typically live off-campus in nearby apartments or commute from around the Twin Cities area. Weekend activities often revolve around clinical practice sessions, study groups preparing for board exams, and trips into Minneapolis for restaurants and entertainment. The trimester calendar keeps the pace intense year-round. Students bond over shared lab experiences in anatomy, hands-on chiropractic techniques, and acupuncture training sessions that build the foundation for alternative healthcare careers.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Trimester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1941

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–23°F
July Avg: 65°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.6"
Annual Snowfall: 51.2"

Student Demographics

Northwestern Health Sciences University draws students serious about alternative medicine careers, with three-quarters being women reflecting the gender patterns in well-rounded health fields. The school serves 251 students who value small class sizes, evidenced by the 4:1 student-faculty ratio. Most students come from Minnesota and surrounding states, showing the university's strong regional reputation in chiropractic and complementary medicine. The student body represents diverse backgrounds, with half being students of color. Despite focusing on specialized health programs, only about one-fifth receive federal aid, suggesting many students view this as career investment.

Men: 26.3%
Women: 73.7%
White: 49.4%
Black: 7.6%
Hispanic: 4.8%
Asian: 5.6%
In-State Students: 70.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.2%

Location

Northwestern Health Sciences University sits in Bloomington, Minnesota, just 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. The Twin Cities metro area houses over 3.6 million residents and offers extensive internship opportunities for health sciences students. Bloomington serves as a suburban center with the Mall of America drawing millions of visitors annually. The campus benefits from Minnesota's strong healthcare industry, which employs nearly 400,000 people statewide. Winter temperatures average 24 degrees, creating a distinct four-season environment that shapes campus life. The region's concentration of major medical centers like Mayo Clinic influences the local health education landscape. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Northwestern Health Sciences University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bloomington, Minnesota 55431

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,666
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $80/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at Northwestern Health Sciences University?

Northwestern Health Sciences University enrolls just 251 students, making it one of the smallest health sciences universities in Minnesota. This tiny enrollment creates an intimate learning environment focused exclusively on alternative medicine and natural health disciplines.

How much does Northwestern Health Sciences University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $29,794 annually at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Despite tuition being set at $12,015 for all students, only 19.17% receive any financial aid, which explains the higher net cost.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwestern Health Sciences University?

Northwestern Health Sciences University maintains an exceptional 4:1 student-faculty ratio. This allows for intensive hands-on training in specialized programs like chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy that require close supervision.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Northwestern Health Sciences University?

Northwestern Health Sciences University achieves a perfect 100% six-year graduation rate. Graduates find strong employment prospects with a 94.6% employment rate, earning a median of $48,666 within ten years of graduation.

Where is Northwestern Health Sciences University located and what is the campus like?

Northwestern Health Sciences University sits in Bloomington, Minnesota, a small city setting that provides access to the Twin Cities metro area. About 70% of students come from in-state, drawn to Minnesota's progressive approach to integrative healthcare.

What makes Northwestern Health Sciences University unique in terms of student demographics?

Northwestern Health Sciences University attracts 73.71% female students, reflecting the gender composition typical of alternative healthcare fields. The university operates on a trimester system and has been training practitioners in natural health sciences since 1941.