Northwest Nazarene University logo

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID Private ยท Suburban www.nnu.edu
Accept Rate
62.95%
Grad Rate
59.1%
Enrollment
1,138
Avg SAT
1184
Tuition
$39,370
Median Salary
$51,719
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Northwest Nazarene University offers a close-knit, faith-based community where students know each other by name and professors are deeply invested in personal growth. The campus feels supportive and intentional, nestled in the scenic Treasure Valley with a focus on service and leadership. It's a place where spiritual development and academic rigor go hand-in-hand in a suburban setting.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

62.95%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 118475th Pctl
9401210
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2531
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and faith in your application essays, as NNU values character and community involvement. With an acceptance rate of 62.95%, aim for the provided SAT average of 1184 or higher to strengthen your application. Be sure to connect your personal goals with NNU's mission of developing leaders for the Church and the world.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1184
40080012001600
School range: 940โ€“1210

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

Academics & Majors

NNU excels in practical, career-focused majors like Health Professions, Business, and Education, supported by a faculty dedicated to undergraduate teaching. Research opportunities are accessible, particularly in STEM fields, with faculty-mentored projects and community-based learning. The academic environment emphasizes critical thinking within a Christian worldview, preparing students for service-oriented careers.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
25.6%
Business & Marketing
10.7%
Education
10.3%
Public Administration
6%
Biology & Biomedical
5.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
5.6%
Engineering
4.3%
Philosophy & Religion
4.3%
Computer Science
3.9%
Criminal Justice
3.4%
Psychology
3%

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

By The Numbers

59.1%
Graduation Rate
78.7%
Retention Rate
1,138
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
$39,370
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,537
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,275
Cost of attendance/year
29.5%
Receive Pell Grants
59.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Nampa

Life in Nampa offers a mix of outdoor recreation and local charm, with easy access to hiking, skiing, and the Boise River. Students enjoy nearby downtown Nampa's growing scene of coffee shops, farmers' markets, and local events. The proximity to Boise provides additional options for dining, entertainment, and internships without the hustle of a major city.

Local Rent Check

$1,074 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Nampa
Explore Nampa

Reality Check

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

$157,480
$0Est. 4 Years: $157,480

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($51,719):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Nampa campus is generally considered safe, with a suburban location that offers a secure environment for students. The university maintains a campus security team and fosters a community-oriented atmosphere, though standard personal safety precautions are always recommended.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and personalized attention from faculty
  • โœ“ Robust financial aid and scholarship opportunities for a private school
  • โœ“ Prime location for outdoor enthusiasts in the Treasure Valley
  • โœ“ Emphasis on integrating faith with learning and service

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 59.1% is below the national average
  • โœ— Limited on-campus housing can be a challenge for upperclassmen
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment may offer fewer niche academic programs

Notable Alumni

Larry L. Larson
Prominent engineer and founder of Larson Design Group, recognized for his contributions to engineering and his commitment to faith-based philanthropy.
Drew S. Days III
Former U.S. Solicitor General and a respected legal scholar, known for arguing landmark cases before the Supreme Court.
Dr. JoAnn D. (Smith) Johnson
A highly regarded educator and administrator who has made significant contributions to higher education and curriculum development.

Frequently Asked Questions

NNU is known for its strong programs in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Education, grounded in a Christian worldview. The university emphasizes servant leadership and offers unique opportunities like the Guarantee Program, which provides a clear academic path and tuition stability. It's also recognized for its accessible faculty and commitment to community service.

With an acceptance rate of 62.95%, NNU is considered moderately selective, making it accessible but still competitive. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1184, so applicants should aim to be near or above this average for the best chances. A strong personal essay and demonstrated alignment with the university's mission can significantly boost your application.

Campus life is characterized by a tight-knit community where students actively participate in chapel services, intramural sports, and service projects. The suburban setting offers a peaceful environment, and students often engage in outdoor activities in the surrounding area. While Greek life is absent, student clubs and organizations provide ample opportunities for connection and leadership.

For many students, NNU offers solid value, with an average net price of $25,537 and median 10-year earnings of $51,719. The investment is particularly worthwhile in high-demand fields like nursing and business, where graduates see strong career outcomes. The personalized education and integrated support systems can lead to a positive return on investment, especially if you graduate on time.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

St. Luke's Health System Micron Technology Boise State University Idaho State Government Nampa School District
Smart Start Score
58

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 4,220
  • In-State Tuition $39,370
  • Zip Code 83686

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.7% โ™€ 57.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,537, NNU can be more affordable than its sticker price suggests, especially for in-state students. The 10-year median earnings of $51,719 provide a solid return on investment for a private university, particularly in fields like Health Professions and Education. The value is maximized for students who leverage financial aid and graduate within the 59.1% graduation rate.

*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 $39,370
Housing (12 mo) $12,888
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $59,458
With avg financial aid:
$25,537/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.