Northwestern College is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Orange City, Iowa with 1,175 undergraduates. It admits 80% of applicants, costs an average of $24,716 a year after grants and graduates 66% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Northwestern College acceptance rate and admissions
Northwestern College admitted 80% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Northwestern College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $38,360 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,250 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $51,568 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $24,716 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $24,716 a year after grants and scholarships, $26,852 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 Northwestern College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Northwestern College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 66% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $57,028 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $23,249 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 41% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Northwestern College majors and what graduates earn
Northwestern College awarded bachelor's degrees in 36 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($71,322).
All 36 majors at Northwestern College
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 Northwestern College
6 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 6 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education leadership | Master's | 88 | $58,699 | $11,968 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 31 | $56,408 | $6,488 |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 29 | n/a | $103,916 |
| Special education | Master's | 21 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,175 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 52% women, 48% men
- 15 students for every faculty member
- Setting: distant town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern College?
Northwestern College admitted 80% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Northwestern College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $38,360. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $24,716 a year in 2024-25.
Is Northwestern College test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Northwestern College reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern College?
66% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Northwestern College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $57,028 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Iowa · Northwestern College 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.