Northwest University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Kirkland, Washington with 645 undergraduates. It admits 83% of applicants, costs an average of $22,071 a year after grants and graduates 67% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Northwest University acceptance rate and admissions
Northwest University admitted 83% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 540 to 700, math 500 to 650). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Northwest University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Next deadline: Early action, Nov 15, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants ($30 for international applicants). Confirm dates on Northwest University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Northwest University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $37,360 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,740 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $50,432 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $22,071 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $22,071 a year after grants and scholarships, $28,361 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Northwest University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Northwest University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 67% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $61,237 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $21,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 35% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Northwest University majors and what graduates earn
Northwest University awarded bachelor's degrees in 26 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($89,673).
All 26 majors at Northwest University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 36 | $88,881 | $89,673 | $23,497 |
| Business administration | 14 | $51,262 | $72,343 | $20,182 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 4 | $44,102 | $58,134 | n/a |
| Psychology | 20 | $38,716 | $54,357 | $21,125 |
| Divinity and ministry | 6 | $40,408 | $52,385 | $23,000 |
| Music | 6 | n/a | $37,112 | n/a |
| Education | 15 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Physiology | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | 9 | $40,193 | n/a | n/a |
| English | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Religious Music and Worship | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Marketing | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | 7 | $46,636 | n/a | $15,025 |
| Human Computer Interaction | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Environmental science | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History and Political Science | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Pastoral ministry | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Northwest University
9 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 9 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 24 | $50,420 | $41,000 |
| Business administration | Master's | 18 | $69,870 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 16 | $71,132 | $20,500 |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 11 | n/a | n/a |
| Education | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Doctoral | 8 | $82,394 | $156,226 |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 5 | $46,203 | $32,379 |
| International/Globalization Studies | Master's | 4 | $55,914 | n/a |
| Business administration | Doctoral | 4 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 645 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 60% women, 40% men
- 9 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwest University?
Northwest University admitted 83% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Northwest University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $37,360. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $22,071 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Northwest University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 540 to 700 in reading and writing and 500 to 650 in math. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Northwest University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Northwest University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest University?
67% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Northwest University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $61,237 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Washington · Northwest University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.