Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Northwest Nazarene University: H.Orton Wiley House (Nampa, Idaho)
Photo: Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

#13 Best Christian colleges for accounting in America

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Church of the Nazarene

Real cost

Average price after aid $29,580 a year

Median debt at graduation: $23,750 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

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Northwest Nazarene University is a Christian university in Nampa, Idaho, related to the Church of the Nazarene. Its Office of University Mission & Ministry and Chaplain's Office hold chapel on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:10 a.m., student-led worship on Wednesday evenings, and small groups. The student handbook requires 30 spiritual formation sessions each semester, and the university's Statement of Belief is published on its catalog site.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Northwest Nazarene University

  1. MonToday

    • 10:10AMChapel

  2. TueToday

    No set time

  3. WedToday

    • 10:10AMChapel
    • 9:00PMWorship night

  4. ThuToday

    No set time

  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “The University Chaplains provide leadership for campus spiritual life through responsibility for all chapel programming, worship, discipleship, pastoral care, mission trips, administration and Christian community building.”

    Source: nnu.edu

  • “Spiritual formation always moves outward in love for neighbor, church and world.”

    Source: nnu.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are to attend a minimum of 30 spiritual formation sessions each semester.

Source: nnu.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. On Wednesday evenings, Timeout is a student-led worship service from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Source: nnu.edu
Where do I find community?

Community is built through small groups, seasonal parties, Bible studies and community service.

Source: catalog.nnu.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students can join service clubs, the Good Neighbor Project, and mission trips.

Source: nnu.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 22 more

Academic Excellence

B+Academic Excellence: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
68 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.71%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,130 · ACT 24.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,557

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

AWorship and chapel: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

93 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel on Monday (Community Chapel), Wednesday (Branch Out Chapels) and Friday (Chaplain Chats), each at 10:10 a.m.: three services a week.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Mondays — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Community Chapel, Brandt Center.”
      Community Chapel meets on Mondays at 10:10 a.m. in the Brandt Center.
      “Wednesdays — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m., 9:00 p.m. Branch Out Chapels:”
      Branch Out Chapels meet on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
      “Friday Chaplain Chats — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. and additional days/times as programmed”
      Chaplain Chats meet on Fridays at 10:10 a.m.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students must attend a minimum of 30 spiritual formation sessions each semester, per the 2026 student handbook.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/student-services/student-handbook · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are to attend a minimum of 30 Spiritual Formation sessions each Semester.”
      Students must attend at least 30 spiritual formation sessions each semester.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Student-led worship service (Timeout) every Wednesday evening, 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/student-services/student-handbook · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Wednesday evening: Timeout (9:00-10:00 p.m.) Walden Hall —Student-led worship service”
      A student-led worship service is held every Wednesday evening in Walden Hall.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (2)
    1. University Mission & Ministry - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life/university-mission-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The University Chaplains provide leadership for campus spiritual life through responsibility for all chapel programming, worship, discipleship, pastoral care, mission trips, administration and Christian community building.”
      The University Chaplains lead campus spiritual life, including all chapel programming and pastoral care.
    2. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Nate Roskam, Rev. Dr. University Chaplain nmroskam@nnu.edu”
      Nate Roskam is the University Chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Word and Table meets in the Prayer Chapel; chapel is held in the Brandt Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/student-services/student-handbook · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Word and Table: Small, liturgical gathering with a high-church feel. Location: Prayer Chapel; Led by Dr. Brent Peterson/Dr. Catherine Becker.”
      A Prayer Chapel is used for a regular Wednesday worship gathering.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (4 weekly times documented: 3 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

88 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Two Bible or theology courses are required of all students in the current Core: THEO1200 Christian Thought and Practice and BIBL2200 Bible: Engaging the Story of God. Conflict: an older general education page (academic_page PDF) lists a 12-credit Christian Formation block with BIBL1100, THEO2100 and one upper-division Bible or theology elective. Both versions support two as the minimum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The NNU Core Curriculum | Northwest Nazarene University Catalogcatalog.nnu.edu/general-education/the-general-education-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “THEO1200 Christian Thought and Practice”
      THEO1200 Christian Thought and Practice is a required core course.
      “BIBL2200 Bible: Engaging the Story of God”
      BIBL2200 Bible: Engaging the Story of God is a required core course.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The core description says the liberal arts are taught as a Christian way of thinking about the world.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The NNU Core Curriculum | Northwest Nazarene University Catalogcatalog.nnu.edu/general-education/the-general-education-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The liberal arts lend themselves well to a Christian way of thinking about the world and our place in it”
      The core curriculum is described as Christian liberal arts education.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Christian Ministry major is offered (the catalog's Theology page refers to Christian Ministry majors).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Northwest Nazarene University Catalogcatalog.nnu.edu/theology · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A study of the theology of entire sanctification designed for Christian Ministry majors.”
      The university offers a Christian Ministry major.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes (The Statement of Belief, published on the university's catalog site, adapted from the Church of the Nazarene Manual.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Statement of Belief | Northwest Nazarene Universitygpscatalog.nnu.edu/statement-of-belief · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.”
      The university publishes a Statement of Belief with statements of Christian doctrine.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

82 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (Four named spiritual life staff listed on the spiritual life page: University Chaplain, Associate Chaplain, Associate Chaplain for Worship Arts, and Assistant to the President for Congregational Engagement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Nate Roskam, Rev. Dr. University Chaplain nmroskam@nnu.edu”
      Nate Roskam is the University Chaplain.
      “Ashley Gage Associate Chaplain, Director of Multicultural Engagement & Belonging”
      Ashley Gage is an Associate Chaplain.
      “Noah Daniels Associate Chaplain for Worship Arts”
      Noah Daniels is Associate Chaplain for Worship Arts.
      “Jay Akkerman, D.MIN. Assistant to the President for Congregational Engagement”
      Jay Akkerman is Assistant to the President for Congregational Engagement.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Several named groups: small groups, discipleship bands, one-on-one discipleship and Bible studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Small groups Discipleship bands One-on-one discipleship Bible studies Spiritual conversations”
      Small groups, discipleship bands, one-on-one discipleship and Bible studies are offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (Faculty and staff are required to sign and adhere to the statement of faith, per the university's outcomes report.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2026 Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Datannu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-2026-Student-Admissions-Outcomes-and-Other-Data.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Faculty and staff of the university, however, are required to sign and adhere to a statement of lifestyle standards and promotion of "NNU's statement of faith".”
      Faculty and staff are required to sign and adhere to the statement of faith and lifestyle standards.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (The residential life catalog page says residence hall community includes Bible studies, without naming every hall.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residential Life | Northwest Nazarene University Catalogcatalog.nnu.edu/residential-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Community is built through small groups, seasonal parties, Bible studies, community service, academic sessions”
      Residence hall community is built partly through Bible studies.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. University Mission & Ministry - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life/university-mission-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of University Mission & Ministry oversees NNU’s institutional commitment to faith integration throughout everything the University does”
      The Office of University Mission & Ministry oversees faith integration across the university.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 2 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Mission trips are named among spiritual life programs; recorded as some.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Service clubs Good Neighbor Project Mission trips”
      Service clubs, the Good Neighbor Project and mission trips are listed as ways students serve.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual formation always moves outward in love for neighbor, church and world.”
      Spiritual formation includes service outward toward neighbor, church and world.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:10 a.m.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Mondays — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Community Chapel, Brandt Center.”
      Community Chapel meets on Mondays at 10:10 a.m. in the Brandt Center.
      “Wednesdays — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m., 9:00 p.m. Branch Out Chapels:”
      Branch Out Chapels meet on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
      “Friday Chaplain Chats — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. and additional days/times as programmed”
      Chaplain Chats meet on Fridays at 10:10 a.m.
  • Students must attend a minimum of 30 spiritual formation sessions each semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/student-services/student-handbook · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are to attend a minimum of 30 Spiritual Formation sessions each Semester.”
      Students must attend at least 30 spiritual formation sessions each semester.
  • A named University Chaplain and Associate Chaplains lead chapel and pastoral care.
    Sources (2)
    1. University Mission & Ministry - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life/university-mission-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The University Chaplains provide leadership for campus spiritual life through responsibility for all chapel programming, worship, discipleship, pastoral care, mission trips, administration and Christian community building.”
      The University Chaplains lead campus spiritual life, including all chapel programming and pastoral care.
    2. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Nate Roskam, Rev. Dr. University Chaplain nmroskam@nnu.edu”
      Nate Roskam is the University Chaplain.
  • The Statement of Belief is published, and faculty and staff are required to sign and adhere to the statement of faith.
    Sources (2)
    1. Statement of Belief | Northwest Nazarene Universitygpscatalog.nnu.edu/statement-of-belief · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.”
      The university publishes a Statement of Belief with statements of Christian doctrine.
    2. 2025-2026 Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Datannu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-2026-Student-Admissions-Outcomes-and-Other-Data.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Faculty and staff of the university, however, are required to sign and adhere to a statement of lifestyle standards and promotion of "NNU's statement of faith".”
      Faculty and staff are required to sign and adhere to the statement of faith and lifestyle standards.

Concerns

  • The core requires two Bible or theology courses; many Christian colleges require three or more.
    Sources (1)
    1. The NNU Core Curriculum | Northwest Nazarene University Catalogcatalog.nnu.edu/general-education/the-general-education-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “THEO1200 Christian Thought and Practice”
      THEO1200 Christian Thought and Practice is a required core course.
      “BIBL2200 Bible: Engaging the Story of God”
      BIBL2200 Bible: Engaging the Story of God is a required core course.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of University Mission & Ministry

  • Address: 623 S University Blvd, Nampa, ID 83686
  • Facilities: chapel, prayer chapel

Source: nnu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, nnu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, nnu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. University Mission & Ministry - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life/university-mission-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The University Chaplains provide leadership for campus spiritual life through responsibility for all chapel programming, worship, discipleship, pastoral care, mission trips, administration and Christian community building.”
    The University Chaplains lead campus spiritual life, including all chapel programming and pastoral care.
    “The Office of University Mission & Ministry oversees NNU’s institutional commitment to faith integration throughout everything the University does”
    The Office of University Mission & Ministry oversees faith integration across the university.

Christian clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 0 off campus

Clubs and groups 1

  • Small groups and discipleship bandsOn campus
    Small groups, discipleship bands and one-on-one discipleship, with various locations and leaders.
    nnu.edu

Worship and prayer 2

  • TimeoutOn campus
    Wednesdays 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.
    Student-led worship service in Walden Hall.
    nnu.edu
  • Word and TableOn campus
    Wednesdays 10:10 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
    Small liturgical gathering with a high-church feel, in the Prayer Chapel.
    nnu.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 3

  • Monday10:10 AMCommunity Chapel, Brandt Center
  • Wednesday10:10 AMBranch Out Chapels (locations vary)
  • Friday10:10 AMChaplain Chats, Brandt Center

Worship night 1

  • Wednesday9:00 PMWalden Hall · Timeout: student-led worship service, 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Spiritual Life - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Mondays — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Community Chapel, Brandt Center.”
    Community Chapel meets on Mondays at 10:10 a.m. in the Brandt Center.
    “Wednesdays — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m., 9:00 p.m. Branch Out Chapels:”
    Branch Out Chapels meet on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
    “Friday Chaplain Chats — 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. and additional days/times as programmed”
    Chaplain Chats meet on Fridays at 10:10 a.m.
  2. Student Handbook - Northwest Nazarene Universitynnu.edu/campus-spiritual-life/student-services/student-handbook · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Wednesday evening: Timeout (9:00-10:00 p.m.) Walden Hall —Student-led worship service”
    A student-led worship service is held every Wednesday evening in Walden Hall.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$28,732
$30,001–$48,000$30,626
$48,001–$75,000$35,166
$75,001–$110,000$33,413
Over $110,000$34,800

Full cost of attendance before aid: $55,163 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,156
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 44% · Women 56%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
34%
Total students1,774
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$29,580
Cost of attendance (per year)$55,163
Median federal debt at graduation$23,750
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
71%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
60%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
57%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
65%
First-year retention77%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$51,719
Admission rate65%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Admission
College website
Rolling admission
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,381 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants30%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1005–1240ACT 22–27
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1130
SAT reading & writing515–630
SAT math490–610
ACT composite22–27
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 53 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Engineering (general)$85,643
Nursing$76,250
Business administration$70,953
Accounting$70,899
Kinesiology and exercise science$49,132
Communication studies$48,307
Teacher education$45,537
Social work$44,782
Design$41,719
Liberal arts$33,265

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Computer science, Criminal justice, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis, East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Ecology and evolutionary biology, Engineering Physics, English, Fine arts, General studies, History, International business, International relations, Managerial economics, Marketing, Mathematics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Other philosophy and religious studies, Outdoor Education, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Pre-health, Psychology, Public relations, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious Education, Religious studies, Secondary education, Social sciences, Software and media applications, Theatre, Visual and performing arts, Zoology/Animal Biology.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Health professions19%
Business15%
Biology11%
Public administration and social service9%
Education8%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates9%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older13%
On-campus room and board (per year)$12,070
SportsNCAA Division II · Great Northwest Athletic Conference
ROTCArmy
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member14 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 8%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$41,754IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 73% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceBoise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI)About 17 miles away · about 30 minutes by car
Town population110,319Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreRenoAbout 325 miles away · about 7 hours 25 minutes by car
Typical weather31°F in January · 75°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Nampa Sugar Factory, ID, about 3 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Northwest Nazarene University a Christian college?
Yes. Northwest Nazarene University is a Christian college.
What is Northwest Nazarene University’s Compass Score?
83 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Northwest Nazarene University?
Chapel is listed at Community Chapel, Brandt Center, Branch Out Chapels (locations vary), Chaplain Chats, and Brandt Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Northwest Nazarene University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Northwest Nazarene University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 142461
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Church of the Nazarene
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