Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Nampa, Idaho
63% Acceptance Rate
Northwest Nazarene University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
63%Acceptance Rate
3.59Avg GPA
1184Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$50,275Annual Cost
$51,719Grad Salary
29.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
63%
Avg GPA
3.59
Avg SAT
1184
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
940–1210
ACT Middle 50%
25–31
Need-Based Aid
29.5% receive Pell
Northwest Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution in Idaho that offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus community, and commitment to service, the university prepares students for meaningful careers in diverse fields. Its focus on fostering both intellectual curiosity and spiritual maturity makes it a high-value choice for students aiming to integrate their faith with their professional and academic ambitions.
Northwest Nazarene University Acceptance Rate
Northwest Nazarene University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 63% each year.
What Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 63% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.59 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.39 – 3.58
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.14
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Northwest Nazarene University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Northwest Nazarene University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Competitive scholarship priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor is 3.59. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.29 and 3.59? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.79–3.99.Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.59 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.39 – 3.58
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.19 – 3.38
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.18
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- All students sign onto NNU's Covenant of Christian Character and Covenant of Christian Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook, regardless of personal faith background - a genuine lifestyle commitment, not just a mission statement.
- Nursing and Teacher Education require separate, more competitive program applications on top of general admission; nursing admits twice yearly on a rolling, first-come-first-served basis with interviews.
- Accepts the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a full alternative to the SAT/ACT.
- Offers Army ROTC only - no Air Force or Navy ROTC unit on campus.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Northwest Nazarene University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Northwest Nazarene University (Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Without SAT or ACT?
Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Northwest Nazarene University Average SAT Score: 1184
Admitted students at Northwest Nazarene University average a 1184 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1184 — Less Competitive
A 1184 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1210 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Northwest Nazarene University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 940? A retake is worth it at Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 530 | 470 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 470 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1184 | 940 | 1210 |
A score under 940 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1210+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Northwest Nazarene University (Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Northwest Nazarene University (Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor) ACT Requirements
Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor's admitted students average an ACT of 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
An average of 28 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT English | 22 | 17 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 31 |
Can I get into Northwest Nazarene University with a 31 ACT?
At 31, you're in the top quarter of Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Know That You're Agreeing to a Lifestyle Covenant, Not Just a Statement of Faith
NNU requires all students - regardless of personal religious background - to acknowledge the university's Covenant of Christian Character and Covenant of Christian Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook, which includes specific behavioral commitments. This isn't a formality: it's the framework the whole residential community operates under. Before applying, read the actual Student Handbook so you know exactly what you're agreeing to live under, whether or not you personally identify as Nazarene or even Christian.
Treat Nursing and Teacher Education as Separate, Second Applications
General admission to NNU doesn't require an essay or recommendation letters, but Nursing and Teacher Education both require a distinct program-specific application with a materially higher GPA bar than the 2.5 minimum for standard admission. Nursing admits twice yearly (fall and spring) on a rolling, first-come-first-served basis with required interviews - competition is real, with roughly 40 of 105 recent applicants selected per cycle - so submit your program application as early as possible in the semester before you want to start, not after general admission clears.
Consider the Classic Learning Test (CLT) if You Come from a Classical or Homeschool Curriculum
NNU accepts the Classic Learning Test as a full alternative to the SAT or ACT - a detail many applicants from classical Christian or homeschool programs don't realize is an option. If your coursework leaned classical (Latin, great books, logic-based curriculum), the CLT may better reflect your preparation than a standard SAT/ACT, and NNU treats it as fully equivalent for admission purposes.
Note That NNU's Army ROTC Is the Only Branch Offered on Campus
NNU hosts an Army ROTC branch unit with scholarship opportunities covering tuition and fees, but does not offer Air Force or Navy ROTC on campus. If you're specifically targeting a Navy or Air Force commission, plan for a cross-town arrangement with a nearby host institution rather than assuming NNU covers all branches - confirm current cross-enrollment options directly with the ROTC office before counting on this path.
Expert Insight:
Because NNU's general admission is genuinely easy (no essay, no required recommendation letters, 2.5 GPA minimum), some applicants underestimate how different - and how much more competitive - the Nursing and Teacher Education program-specific applications are; treating those as a formality after general acceptance is the most common way motivated pre-nursing and education students get caught off guard by a semester's delay.
Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Profile
Full Name
Northwest Nazarene University (Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor)
City
Nampa
State
Idaho
ZIP Code
83686-5897
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Degree Worth It?
Whether Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $59,500, and graduates see a 3.86% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Cost?
Listed tuition runs $50,275/year at Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor, 29.5% receive a Pell Grant and 59.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor graduates report a median income of $51,719, about 27% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Northwest Nazarene University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Northwest Nazarene University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Northwest Nazarene University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwest Nazarene University/Northwest Nazarene College/NNU/NNC/Nor Admissions
Northwest Nazarene University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $51,719/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Northwest Nazarene University runs high, at roughly $50,275+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
29.5% of Northwest Nazarene University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Northwest Nazarene University's acceptance rate is 63%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Northwest Nazarene University students is 3.59, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.29 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Northwest Nazarene University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.19 or below makes admission tougher at Northwest Nazarene University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Northwest Nazarene University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1184, and within the 940–1210 range, keeps you competitive.
Northwest Nazarene University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Competitive scholarship priority: 2026/02/01. That's Northwest Nazarene University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.