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Northwest University

Kirkland, WA Private ยท Suburban www.northwestu.edu
Accept Rate
88.05%
Grad Rate
65.5%
Enrollment
642
Avg SAT
1204
Tuition
$36,035
Median Salary
$54,914
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Northwest University feels like a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students are known by name and supported in their personal and spiritual growth. The suburban campus is intimate and serene, fostering a close community feel where intentional mentorship from faculty is the norm. Itโ€™s a place where faith integration is natural, and youโ€™ll quickly feel a strong sense of belonging.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

88.05%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 120475th Pctl
10401325
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2429
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Clearly articulate how your personal faith and values align with Northwest University's Christian mission in your application essay, as this is a core part of their identity. 2. Highlight any leadership, service, or ministry experience in your extracurriculars, as the university values character and community contribution. 3. With an 88% acceptance rate, focus on maintaining a solid GPA and present a well-rounded application that shows your fit for their close-knit, supportive environment.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1204
40080012001600
School range: 1040โ€“1325

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Academic strengths are centered on practical, career-focused programs in Health Professions, Business, and Education, with a strong liberal arts core. Teaching quality is high, characterized by small class sizes and accessible professors who are dedicated to student success. While research opportunities are more limited compared to large state schools, students can engage in faculty-mentored projects and community-based research.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
22.3%
Business & Marketing
14.5%
Biology & Biomedical
9.8%
Psychology
9.8%
Theology
8.8%
Education
7.8%
Multidisciplinary Studies
6.7%
Communications
6.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.2%
English & Literature
4.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

65.5%
Graduation Rate
73.1%
Retention Rate
642
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$36,035
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,161
After financial aid
Total Cost
$48,442
Cost of attendance/year
23.1%
Receive Pell Grants
73.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Kirkland

Student life in Kirkland offers a beautiful Pacific Northwest experience with easy access to Lake Washington for kayaking, paddleboarding, and lakeside walks. The downtown area features a vibrant mix of coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants, while the nearby city of Seattle provides endless opportunities for concerts, professional sports, and cultural events. The university also hosts a variety of campus events, clubs, and intramural sports to build community.

Local Rent Check

$1,864 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Kirkland
Explore Kirkland

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$144,140
$0Est. 4 Years: $144,140

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($54,914):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Northwest University is located in a safe, family-oriented suburban community in Kirkland, which is known for its low crime rates. The campus itself is secure and maintains a peaceful environment, though standard safety precautions are always encouraged.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from dedicated faculty.
  • โœ“ Strong programs in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Business.
  • โœ“ A supportive, faith-integrated community that fosters personal and spiritual growth.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Kirkland offers access to nature and Seattle-area job opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— Limited campus life compared to larger universities, with fewer D1 sports and big-school amenities.
  • โœ— The suburban setting may feel quiet for students seeking a bustling urban environment.
  • โœ— Smaller endowment and fewer research resources than major research institutions.

Notable Alumni

Eddie Lu
A graduate who has made significant contributions in the field of healthcare, representing the university's strength in nursing and health professions.
David N. O. Okine
An accomplished professional and alumnus who has contributed to the field of business and community leadership.
Chris Betts
A notable alumnus recognized for his work and achievements in the field of education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Northwest University is primarily known for its strong Christian identity and its excellent, career-focused programs in Health Professions (including Nursing), Business & Marketing, and Education. The university integrates faith and learning across all curricula, preparing students for service-oriented careers within a supportive, close-knit community.

No, Northwest University is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 88.05%. This indicates that the university is accessible and welcomes a broad range of applicants. While admission is not overly competitive, successful applicants typically present a strong high school GPA and an application that demonstrates alignment with the university's mission and values.

Campus life at Northwest is intimate and community-oriented, centered around shared faith and values. With a small enrollment of around 642 students, you'll find a family-like atmosphere where it's easy to get involved in campus ministries, student-led clubs, and intramural sports. The suburban setting provides a peaceful environment for study, while its proximity to Seattle and Lake Washington offers plenty of options for weekend recreation and entertainment.

For the right student, Northwest University offers strong value. The average net price of $25,161 is considerably lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median graduate earnings of $54,914 suggest a solid return on investment, especially in its top fields of health, business, and education. The value is particularly high for students who benefit from its personalized attention, strong career preparation, and faith-based community.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Overlake Medical Center EvergreenHealth Microsoft Amazon Northwest University
Smart Start Score
61

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 786
  • In-State Tuition $36,035
  • Zip Code 98083

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.3% โ™€ 61.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,161, the cost is significantly lower than the sticker price of $36,035, thanks to institutional aid and scholarships. The 10-year median earnings of $54,914 for graduates provide a solid return on investment, especially for in-demand fields like health professions and business. For students pursuing these top majors, the degree offers a strong financial value, particularly when leveraging financial aid to minimize debt.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $36,035
Housing (12 mo) $22,368
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $65,603
With avg financial aid:
$25,161/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.