About University of Northwestern-St Paul
This Christian university draws students seeking faith-based education in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. With 1,495 students on a suburban Saint Paul campus, Northwestern emphasizes integrating Christian worldview with academic programs. The school maintains its Protestant identity while offering a close-knit community feel. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The 92.51% acceptance rate makes Northwestern accessible to students with varying academic backgrounds, with middle-range test scores averaging 1163 on the SAT.
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $25,140 after aid, below the sticker price of $36,830. Graduates earn a median of $50,755 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,325 manageable. With monthly loan payments around $226, most graduates can handle their financial obligations. Only 15.06% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body comes from middle-class families.
Campus life revolves around both academics and athletics. The Eagles compete in 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, with 336 student-athletes representing nearly a quarter of the student body. The 84.14% retention rate indicates students generally find what they're looking for at Northwestern.
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $25,140 after aid, below the sticker price of $36,830. Graduates earn a median of $50,755 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,325 manageable. With monthly loan payments around $226, most graduates can handle their financial obligations. Only 15.06% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body comes from middle-class families.
Campus life revolves around both academics and athletics. The Eagles compete in 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, with 336 student-athletes representing nearly a quarter of the student body. The 84.14% retention rate indicates students generally find what they're looking for at Northwestern.
Academics & Faculty
Northwestern-St Paul operates as a Christian liberal arts university where faith shapes every academic program. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally and integrate biblical perspectives into coursework. With a 69% four-year graduation rate, students receive the support needed to complete their degrees on time. The university is particularly known for its education programs, which prepare teachers for Christian schools nationwide. Business and ministry programs also draw students who want to combine professional training with spiritual formation. The 84% retention rate reflects how well students connect with the close-knit academic community and mission-driven approach to learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.4%
- Retention Rate
- 84.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,755
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,771 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $53,358 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $47,260 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,518 |
Campus Life
This Christian university sits in suburban Saint Paul, Minnesota, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro area. With housing capacity for 966 students and total enrollment of 1,495, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus. You'll definitely need a heavy winter coat here, as Minnesota winters regularly drop below zero with significant snowfall from November through March.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Campus life revolves around the university's Protestant Christian identity, with chapel services and faith-based programming central to the student experience. With 336 student athletes competing in 20 Division III sports, Eagles games draw solid campus crowds. The 84.14% retention rate suggests students find community here, often through residence hall activities, intramural sports, and student organizations. Weekend activities typically include trips to nearby Minneapolis for shopping and entertainment, outdoor recreation taking advantage of Minnesota's lakes and parks, and campus events that blend social activities with the school's religious mission.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Campus life revolves around the university's Protestant Christian identity, with chapel services and faith-based programming central to the student experience. With 336 student athletes competing in 20 Division III sports, Eagles games draw solid campus crowds. The 84.14% retention rate suggests students find community here, often through residence hall activities, intramural sports, and student organizations. Weekend activities typically include trips to nearby Minneapolis for shopping and entertainment, outdoor recreation taking advantage of Minnesota's lakes and parks, and campus events that blend social activities with the school's religious mission.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 966 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 5°–21°F
- July Avg
- 62°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
Northwestern draws primarily from Minnesota and surrounding Midwest states, reflecting its strong regional reputation among Christian families. The student body leans female, typical for universities emphasizing education, counseling, and ministry programs. About three-quarters of students come from in-state, showing deep Minnesota roots. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 15% indicates the school primarily serves middle-class Christian families who prioritize faith-based education. Students tend to be academically solid rather than strong, with average test scores around 1163 SAT and 25 ACT.
- Men
- 44.4%
- Women
- 55.7%
- White
- 79.1%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.0%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 75.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.1%
Location
University of Northwestern sits in Saint Paul, Minnesota, part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area with over 3 million residents. The campus occupies a suburban setting just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Students have access to major league sports, internship opportunities at Fortune 500 companies, and the extensive Mississippi riverfront park system. The Twin Cities region offers four distinct seasons with strong job markets in healthcare, technology, and finance. Winter temperatures average below freezing for four months, but the area maintains an active outdoor culture year-round. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare University of Northwestern-St Paul with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Paul, Minnesota 55113-1598
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,755
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,941
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $226/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,325
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Northwestern-St Paul?
University of Northwestern-St Paul accepts 92.51% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1163. This Christian university in suburban Minneapolis welcomes students seeking faith-based education with relatively open admissions standards.
How much does University of Northwestern-St Paul cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,140 after aid, with tuition set at $36,830 annually. The school focuses on making Christian education accessible, offering institutional grants averaging $20,487 to about 26% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Northwestern-St Paul?
The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,495 total students enrolled. This small Protestant institution emphasizes personal attention and mentorship within its faith-centered academic environment.
What do graduates from University of Northwestern-St Paul earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $50,755 ten years after graduation, with 96.7% finding employment. The 68.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on preparing students for ministry and Christian service careers.
Where do University of Northwestern-St Paul students live on campus?
The university houses 966 students in residence halls, serving most of its 1,495-person student body. Campus life centers around Christian community building in suburban Saint Paul, with 76% of students coming from Minnesota.
Does University of Northwestern-St Paul offer athletic scholarships?
The university offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III school with 20 varsity sports. The 336 Eagles athletes compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference while maintaining the division's emphasis on academics over athletics.
